Bauchi moves to establish technical education college in Dass
Mohammed Kaka Misau, Bauchi
A bill for the establishment of Technical College of education in Dass local government area of Bauchi state has passed through second reading in the state assembly.
The Spokesperson to the Speaker of the assembly, Comrade Abdul Ahmad Burra who stated in a summary of the assembly’s Tuesday plenary noted that the bill was sent to the assembly by Governor Bala Mohammed of the state.
According to the summary of the plenary which was presided over by the Speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, the bill was referred to the house Committee on education with a mandate to report back the floor of the house in two weeks period.
The plenary said that the executive bill from Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state was conveyed to the assembly by its Majority Leader, Hon. Tijjani Muhammad Aliyu.
It said, in the bill, the Governor requested the state assembly to consider and pass a draft bill to establish College of Education Technical Dass and other connected matters therewith 2022.
The Majority Leader who is representing Azare/Madangala Constituency moved a motion to allow the Bill to undergo first reading and was seconded by the Minority Leader Hon. Bakoji Aliyu Bobbo of Chiroma Constituency.
The summary of the plenary said that the assembly members unanimously approved the motion after which the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House Umar Yusuf Gital Esq to carryout the first reading.
Shedding light on the bill, the Majority Leader said that the College will consist of all formal education programme with emphasis on technical education and such other institutions as may be from time to time acquired or established by the College.
He explained that the College when established, shall be to provide courses of study and research in teacher training and to prepare students to be awarded the National Certificate of Education, with emphasis on technical education and other certificates, including diploma relating to such course.
Hon. Tijjani further explained that the college will also promote, through teaching, research and other means, the advancement of science, technology and learning in its practical application to the needs of the community.
He said it will also aimed at organizing improved science and technical education and extend education of higher standard than the secondary school level and is to comply with the required standard for Colleges of Science, Vocational and Technical Education as set out by the National Commission for Colleges of Education.
According to the Majority Leader, technical education which focuses on inculcating learners with the abilities and knowledge required to take up trades or craft was introduced to help reduce rate of unemployment and grant hands-on skills to Nigerians especially the youth.
“Unemployment is one major challenge affecting Nigeria amongst other challenges and it kept skyrocketing day in and day out as a result of the recent economic recession in Nigeria”, he said.
The majority leader pointed out that rate of unemployment has led to rise in crime rate, suicide rate, among others.
“Many employers believe that Nigerian graduates are unemployable because the traditional educational system usually involves so many theories and lack a practical use of the knowledge acquired. It was at this point that vocational education was introduced and existed for many years in form apprenticeship and handicrafts”, he explained.
The leader added that the Bauchi State College of Education (Technical) Dass was designed to provide employment opportunities that will combat the increasing rate of unemployment among the citizens.
He said when established, the college will equally empower individuals with skills and knowledge that are in demand in the global market as skills and knowledge are the driving powers behind economic growth and development for any country.
The lawmaker therefore, requested the Honourable House to accord the Bill a speedy passage.
In his contribution, Minority Leader, Hon. Bakoji Aliyu Bobbo (Chiroma Constituency) said that the State Government has tried a lot in creating the Institution.
He said that the College when established will not only create job opportunities but open up admission opportunity for students in the State especially those who finished technical and vocational schools.
Hon. Bobbo requested that the Bill be allowed to undergo second reading and was seconded by Hon. Babayo Muhammad representing Hardawa Constituency.
Upon approval by members of the assembly, Comrade Burra said the Speaker Sulaiman Abubakar directed the Clerk, Umar Yusuf Gital to carryout the second reading after which the Bill was referred to House Committee on Education for further legislative action.