By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector to equip young people with practical skills essential for national development.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Abbas highlighted the importance of updating existing laws or introducing new legislation to strengthen technical education in the country.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Students Loan, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, the Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to education sector reforms, with a strong focus on technical and vocational training.
“Modernizing technical education is crucial for equipping our youth with the skills needed to drive economic growth and innovation,” he stated.
He underscored the role of vocational training in tackling unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and bridging the skills gap in key industries.
The House of Representatives, he assured, is dedicated to advancing policies that will enhance technical education infrastructure, improve access, and align training programs with industry needs to create a more skilled workforce for Nigeria’s future.
“To achieve this, we made a commitment to amend existing laws or introduce new ones to improve Nigeria’s technical and vocational education.

“In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in national development.

“It is no longer sufficient for our educational institutions to merely impart theoretical knowledge; we must also equip our youths with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in a fast-evolving global economy that is characterized by stiff competition.

“Therefore, the establishment of these institutions is a crucial step in our resolve to bridge the gap between knowledge and employment”.

According to Speaker Abbas, the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo, Benue State is expected to provide essential training opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in science, technical education and management science, adding that it is envisaged that this Polytechnic will focus on equipping individuals with management, technical and entrepreneurial skills, necessary for fostering innovation, and economic growth and development.

Similarly, he said, the proposed National College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Illela, Sokoto State will address specific needs of those seeking entrepreneurial knowledge and skills tailored to meet local business needs.

He said “as a border community, establishing this institution in Illela will not only boost commercial activities and international trade, it will also take our youth out of poverty, unemployment and cross-border crimes such as banditry, trafficking, smuggling and drug abuse, ensuring their creative energy is channeled to productive ventures.

“Overall, by aligning educational programs with regional economic activities, we can empower communities through skill acquisition and development while also addressing unemployment challenges. Let me therefore assure you that the House will continue to support every effort that seeks to improve the quality and access to all forms of education in Nigeria.

“Given the crucial nature of these bills, I urge every stakeholder here to make very useful contributions that will enable the House to make informed decisions on them. Your insights are invaluable as we strive towards creating an inclusive educational framework that reflects our diverse needs and aspirations. You should feel free to share your perspectives, by making contributions that will help us refine these bills for further legislative action.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Fuad Lagunda said the two bills strongly align with the quest by the House for a strategic educational progress and sustainable human capital development in Nigeria.

He said the primary objectives of establishing the Federal Polytechnic in Adikpo, Benue State and College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Illela Sokoto State is to teach
and train technicians and middle-level Nigerians who will serve as catalysts for rapid industrialization and development of the real economic sector.

He said “given the uncertainties in global economy, you will collectively agree with me that knowledge and skill in social sciences, technology, entrepreneurship, vocational, and technical education are the panacea to socio-economic development.

“It is therefore important for us to prioritise and recognise the importance of establishing these academic and training institutions for specific purposes of driving economic growth, improving the standard of our youths, creating platform for skill acquisition, empowering human capital as well as addressing general societal challenges.

“The passage of these Bills into Law would adequately ensure that our youths are technologically empowered to strategically address the complex challenges of
unemployment, wealth or income inequality, and chronic poverty in our society.

“Based on potential benefits of these institutions, | urge us all to work collaboratively as patriots towards a successful deliberation by approaching this public hearing with an open and teachable mind, willingness to learn, and commitment to finding sustainable solutions to our educational challenges.

“More importantly, let us work together towards ensuring a productive educational sector for the overall benefits of our dear citizens and the nation at large”.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) said it would be innovative and proactive in its process to meet the rising expectations of beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).

The Fund also disclosed that it processed 22,350 claims in 2024 which ensured beneficiaries of ECS received timely support.

In the same vein, the Fund expressed strong determination to surmount the dynamic socio-economic landscape and stringent regulatory frameworks that would impede on its mandate to deliver social protection services to Nigerians.

Speaking at the opening of the Management Performance Review of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), held Wednesday, at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed that the organization has started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate its registration process with the intention of improving transparency and trust.

According to him, this has become necessary in order to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of it’s mandate, including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the ECS..

Barrister Faleye said the review session is, therefore, an opportunity to critically assess their performance, celebrate what works, and address what does not.

He said: “As Custodians of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, our mandate is clear and it is to provide timely compensation and support to employees affected by workplace injuries, disabilities, diseases, or fatalities. This scheme is not just about financial redress, it is a lifeline that upholds dignity, fosters safer workplaces, and strengthens Nigeria’s social security architecture.”

Buttressing the legacies of the NSITF, Faleye posited ” ln the past year, we have made significant strides: We have processed 22,350 claims in 2024, ensuring beneficiaries received timely support. We have expanded our outreach to 13 regions and created five new branches across the country brining the total numbers of branches to 62. The Fund now cover 183,528 employers and 7,616,476 employees. We have conducted 3,250 health and safety audits and 808 investigations and 2,035 awareness initiatives and 248 follow-up audits.”

According to him we have started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate our registration process thereby improving transparency and trust.

“We continue to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of our mandate including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the Scheme.

“However, we are not blind to the hurdles: delayed employer remittances, gaps in public awareness, and systemic issues that contributes to diminished operational efficiencies. These challenges test our resolve but also sharpen our focus.

“Let us therefore use this platform to engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions. Let us ask ourselves the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Our goal is not just to meet targets but to exceed them, ensuring that the NSITF remains a beacon of hope and support for all Nigerians.” He added

Earlier in her address, the Executive Director Operations (NSITF), Hon Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, said the MPR is a crucial exercise aimed at assessing the Fund’s performance in the 2024 financial year and setting a clear strategic course for 2025.

In her words:” This event is of utmost importance as it provides a platform for us to critically evaluate our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies that will fast-track growth and enhance service delivery. The theme for this year’s MPR, Aligning Performance Activities with the Strategic Objectives of the Fund, underscores the necessity for every Department, Region, and Branch to work in synergy towards the overarching goals of the Fund.”

To this end, she emphasized that “The past year presented its fair share of challenges, but it also provided opportunities for us to reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation.

“Through the resilience and dedication of our workforce, we have made commendable strides in ensuring that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) remains a pillar of social security and welfare for Nigerian workers.

As we engage in presentations, discussions, and deliberations over the next two days, I encourage every participant to actively contribute their insights and recommendations. Our success in the coming year will be determined by the strength of our strategies and the effectiveness of their execution.” She also observed