By Fatima Saka
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere, representing Osun West Senatorial District, has called on the Nigerian government to focus on developing young Nigerians who are struggling with unemployment. He emphasized that skill acquisition is now a global priority and a crucial driver of economic growth.
In response to this growing need, the senator has sponsored a bill titled “An Act to Establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State.”
During the Senate plenary session on Wednesday in Abuja, Senator Olalere led the debate on the bill, stating:
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of this important bill. This bill seeks to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies in Ikire, Osun State. The bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on December 4, 2024.
Distinguished Senators, the establishment of this institution will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level technical skills required in Nigeria’s workforce. It will provide opportunities for young people to acquire vocational skills essential for employment in the labor market.
“This initiative will boost economic growth, reduce unemployment, and promote self-reliance among Nigerian youth.”
Senator Olalere highlighted that the proposed college would offer specialized training in various fields, including:
Automobile and Heavy-Duty Truck Mechanics
Electrical Technology
Metalwork and Iron Melting
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Building Technology
Furniture Making and Carpentry
Fashion Design and Tailoring
Soap and Detergent Manufacturing
Computer Programming
He stressed that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, technical skills have become even more valuable than traditional academic certificates.
“As a nation, we must prioritize skill acquisition to align with the global shift in employment trends. AI is gradually replacing traditional white-collar jobs, making technical expertise more crucial than ever. This bill will equip young Nigerians with practical skills, reducing youth restrictiveness and social vices.”
A Call for Nationwide Technical Education
Speaking to journalists after the debate, Senator Olalere argued that technical skills are highly mobile and in high demand worldwide.
“If you visit construction sites in Nigeria, you’ll notice that most of the workers—whether masons, welders, or electricians—are foreigners from India, China, Cotonou, and Togo. Even simple tasks like block making and fencing are dominated by non-Nigerians.
“This is because our youth lack the necessary technical skills. We must change this narrative. By integrating vocational education into our system, we can empower young Nigerians to become self-sufficient, rather than endlessly seeking white-collar jobs.”
The senator emphasized that vocational education should not be a temporary intervention but a permanent, structured initiative.
“Last year, as a legislator, I allocated significant resources for skill acquisition programs. However, I realized these are short-term solutions. A permanent institution will create sustainable opportunities for our youth, allowing them to gain expertise and become self-reliant.”
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He urged the government to establish similar colleges in every senatorial district across the country, with state governments also playing an active role in supporting vocational education.
“With proper funding, graduates of these institutions can secure startup grants and become entrepreneurs. In just one or two years, they can master a trade and start contributing to the economy.”
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) for further legislative review. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks.
