The Kogi State House of Assembly has urged the stated Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to urgently undertake the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of Government Technical College, Ankpa, and other technical colleges across the state.
The lawmakers called for the renovation of classrooms, workshops, laboratories, hostels and other auxiliary facilities to bring the institutions in line with modern technical and vocational education standards.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon. Lawal Akus.
Moving the motion on the floor of the House, Akus expressed concern over what he described as the “severe infrastructural decay, inadequate equipment and non-functional facilities” at Government Technical College, Ankpa.
“Government Technical College, Ankpa, established in 1976, was founded with the objective of utilising science and technical education to produce skilled manpower, bridge skills gaps, promote innovation and support sustainable economic development,” he said.
He noted that the college had historically contributed significantly to the production of skilled artisans and technicians in electrical installations, welding and fabrication, fitting and machining, automobile mechanics, and building and construction within Ankpa and its environs.
“Over the years, the institution has played a critical role in supplying skilled manpower to our local economy. However, its current state has limited its capacity to meet contemporary technical education standards and the evolving needs of society,” Akus added.
The lawmaker stressed the need for Kogi State to position itself among the most competitive states in Nigeria in skills acquisition and technical competence.
“There is an urgent need to place our dear state among the most competitive in Nigeria in the area of skills acquisition and competence for sustainable development,” he said.
Akus acknowledged the state government’s sustained commitment to the education sector over the past decade, including the establishment of state universities at Osara and Kabba, the upgrading of secondary schools such as Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo, and others.
He also commended the government for the provision of scholarships to Kogi indigenes in tertiary institutions across the federation, the payment of N300,000 Law School fees for indigent law graduates, and the sponsorship of WAEC, NECO and JAMB registration fees for students in public schools.
“We recognise the vital role of technical and vocational education in equipping individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills necessary for employment, entrepreneurship and national development,” he said. “Skilled and knowledgeable individuals are essential to building a sustainable and competitive economy.”
Akus further emphasised that countries with higher levels of education tend to record stronger economic growth, higher productivity and lower poverty levels.
Following deliberations, the House mandated the Kogi State Ministries of Education and Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to recruit, train and continuously retrain qualified technical instructors, technologists and support staff for technical colleges across the state.
The Assembly also called for the development and implementation of clear policies, strategic frameworks and a phased roadmap to transform Government Technical College, Ankpa, and other technical colleges into modern innovation, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition hubs aligned with emerging technologies, industry partnerships and workforce development priorities.
Members who spoke in support of the motion described it as timely and necessary for the socio-economic advancement of the state.
With the adoption of the motion, the House reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening technical education as a pathway to youth empowerment, job creation and sustainable development in Kogi State.
