The Federal Ministry of Education has called on the House of Representatives to prioritise adequate funding of existing higher institutions of learning rather than establishing new ones.
The Director of Polytechnic of the ministry, Ejeh Usman disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the public hearing for Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Hawal Local Government Area, Borno State, as well as two separate Bills proposing amendments to the Federal Polytechnics Act, CAP. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He said the ministry observed that the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship falls under technical education, which is regulated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Usman added: “Additionally, the ministry reaffirms the federal government’s policy on citing federal institutions equitably across states. This policy ensures that no state hosts more than one Federal Polytechnic at a time while guaranteeing that every state has at least one such institution.
“Currently, all states except Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are engaged in this initiative.
“Therefore, the ministry urges the distinguished members of the Green Chambers to prioritise resource allocation towards the successful take-off of already established institutions rather than initiating new ones.
“Given prevailing funding constraints, the Ministry recommends suspending further initiation and deliberations on the Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State, at this time.”
Usman revealed that the ministry has streamlined and expanded avenues for the establishment of private tertiary institutions. States and individuals are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to contribute to national educational development.
While supporting necessary amendments to strengthen Polytechnic institutions, Usman appealed for “prudent allocation of resources, prioritising existing institutions over establishing new ones to optimise the nation’s educational development.”
The ministry pointed out that it has no objection to the proposed amendments except for the proposed amendment of the provision in Section 3(1) of the principal Act, which seeks to insert the following new paragraphs:(i) A representative of the NBTE; (i) A representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
It explained that while both organisations serve critical roles, their functions do not directly align with the responsibilities of the Polytechnic Governing Council.
It stressed that NBTE functions as a regulatory body for technical education, whereas MAN focuses on promoting manufacturers’ interests.
Also, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas said these proposed legislations transcend the boundaries of bureaucratic reform; adding that they are deliberate instruments of transformation aimed at reshaping the educational landscape of the nation.
He noted that the proposed legislations seek to democratize access to quality education in science, vocational training, creative arts, entrepreneurship, and business development.