S’East Vocational Institute bill set for third hearing

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Alternative Education has concluded public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies, in Umuobom, Ideato Federal Constituency, Imo State.

In the aftermath of public hearing, the House is set to take the third reading of the proposed legislation, which is seeking the establishment of a technical institute dedicated to harnessing innovative talent, advancing entrepreneurship, and developing vocational skills in the South East geo-political zone.

The sponsor of the bill, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, while speaking at the public hearing, said the proposed institution is intended to enhance skills acquisition, creativity, and innovation, which are the engine of prosperity.

Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency, said the proposed legislation is anchored on the vision of
“a Southeast, and indeed a Nigeria, where our young people are no longer trapped by unemployment, insecurity, or neglect, but are defined by innovation, enterprise, and productivity.

“This institute will not be another structure of blocks and bricks. It will be a factory of ideas, a hub of creativity, and a launchpad for future business leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals.”

According to him, “the bill before the National Assembly seeks to establish a federal institute that will equip our young people with practical, technical, and entrepreneurial skills, serve as hub for innovation, research, and enterprise innovation, address unemployment and insecurity by creating clear pathways to meaningful jobs and sustainable businesses.

“We all know the painful truth. Unemployment is one of the greatest threats to our nation today. I know as I feel recruited into violence, agitation, and crime. But when a young man or woman is given a skill, a career, or a business, it doesn’t just change that individual’s life, it changes a family, a community, and ultimately the nation.

“The southeast is blessed with some of the most industrious and creative people in Africa. The world is now recognizing the Igbo apprenticeship system as one of the most effective grassroots entrepreneurship models in history. Harvard University and global thought leaders have begun studying it as a framework for global change innovation and world creation.”