By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Kogi State, Nigeria – Thursday: The Kogi State House of Assembly has urged Governor Ahmed Ododo to urgently rehabilitate Government Technical College, Ankpa, as well as other technical colleges. Consequently, the goal is to address severe infrastructural decay and align schools with modern technical education standards.
Renovation of Facilities
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Lawal Akus, representing Ankpa I State Constituency.
He explained that classrooms, workshops, laboratories, and hostels are in poor condition, while essential equipment remains non-functional.
Therefore, the House recommended comprehensive renovation to enhance vocational training and modern learning environments.
Importance of Technical and Vocational Education
Established in 1976, Government Technical College, Ankpa has historically produced skilled artisans and technicians.
For example, graduates excel in electrical installation, welding, fitting and machining, automobile mechanics, and building construction.
Furthermore, Akus emphasized that technical education provides practical, industry-relevant skills, which are essential for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Moreover, countries with higher education and vocational skills often enjoy stronger economic development and lower poverty rates.
State Government Education Efforts
Akus also acknowledged the state government’s ongoing education initiatives, including:
- Establishing state universities in Osara and Kabba
- Upgrading secondary schools, such as Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo
- Providing scholarships for Kogi indigenes
- Covering Law School fees for indigent graduates
- Sponsoring WAEC, NECO, and JAMB registration for public students
Additionally, these efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to quality education across all levels.
House Directives
Consequently, the House directed the Kogi State Ministries of Education and Science, Technology and Innovation to:
- Recruit and train qualified instructors
- Continuously retrain technical staff
- Implement policies for modern, innovative technical colleges
Furthermore, lawmakers called for strategic plans to transform technical colleges into hubs of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
Focus on Youth Empowerment
Finally, lawmakers described the motion as timely, emphasizing that upgraded technical education strengthens youth empowerment and promotes job creation.
Therefore, these initiatives aim to boost sustainable socio-economic development in Kogi State through modernized vocational institutions.
