The Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education, and stakeholders in the education sector have said that the establishment of National Polytechnic Commission was long overdue.
The stakeholders stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a public hearing on a bill to establish the National Polytechnic Commission.
Speaking at the public hearing, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sani Gwarzo commended the House for initiating the bill.
He was of the opinion that the proposal should have come from the Ministry, adding that apart from coming at the right time, the commission when established, would bring the polytechnics in Nigeria in conformity with their counterparts in other parts of the world
Gwarzo assured that the ministry would support every move aimed at putting in place a commission that would ensure standards in the sector.
He said the ministry was ready to offer any assistance needed to ensure quick passage of the bill and establishment of the commission.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said the National Polytechnic Commission would serve as a regulatory body that ensures standards are upheld across polytechnics nationwide.
He said that the public hearing aligns seamlessly with the legislative agenda aimed at enhancing the educational framework within Nigeria.
Abbas stated: “We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that we equip our youth with relevant skills and knowledge.
“The proposed agency and institutions will serve as beacons of excellence—providing qualitative education that meets international standards while also being tailored to meet local needs.
“In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in national development.”