Sen Olalere Laments Foreigners Taking Over Nigerian Youths’ Jobs
…As Bill To Empower Nigerian Youths on Skill Acquisition passes Second Reading
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) A bill aimed at empowering Nigerian youths through vocational and technical studies has passed its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senator Oyewumi K. Olalere, the bill seeks to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies in Ikire, Osun State ¹.
Leading the debate on the floor of the Senate, Olalere said the proposed institution will provide training in various technical fields, including.Automobile and Heavy-duty Trucks Mechanics, Electrician Technician, Panel and Iron Melting Technician, Fridges and Air Conditioner Technician, Building Technology, Paint Manufacturing Technician, Dying and Fabric artisan, Furniture and wood work artisans, Corporate programming Tech, Tailoring and Fabric design artisan,Beautician, Soap and Detergent manufacturing Artisans, among others. This initiative aims to address the growing need for specialized skills in the Nigerian workforce, promote economic growth, and reduce unemployment ¹.
Senator Olalere emphasized the importance of technical skill acquisition, citing the global shift towards skills-based employment. He noted that Nigeria’s construction sites are being dominated by foreigners, many of whom are products of vocational and technical institutions in their home countries
To address this, Olalere advocated for a change in narrative, prioritizing technical knowledge and skills acquisition among Nigerian youths. He believes this will enable them to compete effectively in the job market and establish themselves as entrepreneurs ¹.
He said, Mr. President, my very Distinguished Colleagues, it is with gratitude
that I rise to lead the Debate on the general principles of this important Bill.
“The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Wednesday 4th December, 2024 Distinguished Senators, undoubtedly, establishing a Federal Vocational and Technical college like this, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria.”
“It will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market. This will help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment
Mr. President, my Distinguished colleagues, it is certain that this Bill, when passed will improve career and technical education which will make the trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time.
“On this note, I humbly request my Distinguished Colleagues, to support
the expeditious passage of this Bill because of its inherent relevance to the socio-economic development of our dear country and its success to the human capacity development of our teeming youths,” he submitted.
While addressing the press after the plenary Olalere explained that the middle man manpower is eroding very fastly in our country and that’s affecting us very seriously.
According to him, “I discovered that we have to change the narrative and call for technical knowledge in our society so that our youths after secondary schools will acquire these skills knowledge before proceeding to higher institutions and those who may not want tp proceed can establish themselves afterwards,” he concluded.
