The Federal Government has announced the establishment of 270 vocational training centres across Nigeria, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and skill acquisition as part of its national development initiatives.

This was revealed by Mr. Rasaq Akinyemi, Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), during a public hearing held in Abuja on Thursday. The hearing, organized by the House Committee on Alternative Education led by Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu, focused on nine legislative bills, including proposals to establish a National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education in Kalgo, Kebbi State, and two Federal Colleges of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Bunza, Kebbi State, and Maiduguri, Borno State.

Mr. Akinyemi commended the legislative drive to tackle youth unemployment and enhance innovation through technical education but urged that enhancing existing structures may be a more cost-effective and timely solution. He warned that building and maintaining new federal institutions would demand substantial capital and recurrent funding, which may be difficult to sustain given current fiscal constraints.

He also emphasized the importance of clearly defining the governance structures of the proposed institutions to ensure effective operations, transparency, and accountability. He pledged UBEC’s ongoing support in partnering with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance the country’s educational and training systems. According to him, a clear distinction of roles among federal ministries, agencies, states, and local governments is essential for success.

Stakeholders from the proposed host constituencies expressed strong support for the bills, highlighting their potential educational and developmental impact.

Hauwa Alkali, a representative of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, also backed the initiative during her presentation.

Delivering the keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen—represented by Hon. Alexander Mascot—affirmed the House’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through vocational and technical education. He stressed the importance of equipping young people with practical skills in today’s rapidly changing, tech-driven world.

He stated:
“The creation of these centres represents more than just a policy step—it is a strategic investment in the future of our nation. Vocational and entrepreneurial skills are crucial to national growth, especially in a country like Nigeria with a youthful population eager for self-reliance and development.”

The Speaker added that the legislature remains dedicated to enacting progressive laws that promote vocational training as a key driver of economic diversification