The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has opposed a proposed bill for the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Borno State, citing concerns over funding and existing policy on equitable distribution of federal institutions.
Alausa’s stance was contained in a memorandum submitted on Thursday during a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education.
The minister urged lawmakers to prioritise funding for existing institutions rather than creating new ones, especially given the federal government’s financial constraints.
“The ministry reaffirms the federal government’s policy on citing federal institutions equitably across states,” he said. “This policy ensures that no state hosts more than one federal polytechnic at a time while guaranteeing that every state has at least one such institution.”
He disclosed that Sokoto State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are the only areas yet to fully engage in the current initiative.
Alausa further noted that the ministry had streamlined the process for establishing private tertiary institutions, urging individuals and state governments to explore that avenue to expand educational access and drive development.
“Given our current financial realities, the ministry recommends halting the establishment of the proposed Federal College of Skills in Borno,” he said.
However, Hon. Usman Balami, who sponsored the bill, argued that the institution would play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment in the region.
“In our rapidly changing job market, possessing a varied skill set is crucial for success and adaptability,” he said. “The college will bridge the gap between theory and practical skills, preparing graduates for real-world challenges.”
The Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Laguda, noted that if passed, the bill would enable Nigerian youths to acquire a diverse range of skills in technology, science, arts, social sciences, humanities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
