The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to revamp and properly equip technical and vocational colleges across the state to promote technical education and enhance skill acquisition for youth employment.
During a recent plenary session, Speaker of the House, Engineer Yakubu Danlad-Salihu, presented the Assembly’s resolution following a motion titled “Need to Promote and Encourage Technical Education in Kwara State.” The motion was put forward by Mallam Mohammed Baba Salihu, representing the Okuta/Yashikira Constituency.
In his remarks, Speaker Danlad-Salihu highlighted the importance of practical training partnerships with industries to prepare students for real-world demands, stating, “We urge the governor to resuscitate all existing technical and vocational colleges and equip them to a reasonable standard.”
He also recommended the establishment of a dedicated Board of Technical and Vocational Education within the Ministry of Education to oversee national technical education policies in the state.
Supporting the motion, Salihu stressed that neglect of these institutions has resulted in economic losses, depriving the state of valuable human and material resources. He noted that technical colleges in areas like Patigi, Erin-Ile, Esie-Iludun, and Ilorin have produced many skilled professionals in engineering fields, contributing to various sectors.
Other members of the Assembly echoed these views, adding that investing in technical education is key to empowering citizens with employable skills and advancing Kwara State’s economy.