BREAKING:Ikenga’s Bill for establishment of Federal Institution for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies in Umuobom Ideato South, passes second reading in the House of Reps
A bill seeking to establish the South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies in Umuobom, Imo State, passed its second reading in the House of Representatives today, marking a critical step toward addressing youth unemployment and regional economic disparities in Nigeria’s South-East.
Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency), the bill (HB 2263) aims to create a federal institution dedicated to technical skills training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Leading the debate, Ugochinyere emphasized the institute’s role in tackling Nigeria’s “triple dilemma” of unemployment, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
He argued that formalizing vocational education would harness the South East’s “industrious and innovative talents,” turning job seekers into job creators.
The bill, he noted, also serves as a “national security intervention” to rebuild a region scarred by insurgency, fostering peace through economic empowerment .
The proposed institute will offer programs in high-demand fields like agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries, issuing certificates and diplomas.
Governed by a federal council under the National Commission for Colleges of Education, it will receive dedicated federal funding for its first decade.
Ugochinyere also highlighted global models such as Germany’s industry-linked TVET schools, Japan’s KOSEN technical colleges, and U.S. initiatives like IBM’s P-TECH as blueprints for aligning education with 21st-century economic needs and realities.
Critically, the bill’s location in Imo State advances “federal character” principles, decentralizing educational opportunities and stimulating local infrastructure.
Ugochinyere urged colleagues to support “a future where skills, not certificates, drive prosperity”.
The bill now moves to the House Committee on Education for detailed scrutiny. When enacted, it will proceed to the Senate, potentially reshaping vocational training in a region long underserved by federal institutions.
Dear Readers, Good and credible news reportage is tedious task and requires huge finances.
We are soliciting your Noble support for as low as N1,000 your support would go a long way in assisting us to continue to guarantee our readers quality news.
Bank transfers can be made to:
Account Name: Harvest and Commercial
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Number: 0078627735