The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated commitment of the legislature to advancing digital learning and technical education through appropriate legislation.

Abbas made this pledge during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education to deliberate on four proposed bills.

The bills seek to establish the National Vocational Centre, Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute in Benue State, Federal College of Science and Technology in Borno State, and the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education in Nasarawa State.

Represented by Hon Auwalu Gwalabe, Abbas highlighted the critical role of polytechnic education in driving Nigeria’s industrial development. He emphasized the importance of equipping youths with practical skills, especially in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to prepare them for a rapidly evolving job market.

Abbas also stressed the connection between functional education and national security, noting that empowering youths through skills acquisition can mitigate insecurity and youth restiveness.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Fuad Kayode Laguda, underscored the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in driving economic growth.

He noted that the proposed laws aim to empower Nigeria’s workforce, tackle unemployment, reduce poverty, and support industrialization.