Benue Lawmaker Urges Support For Polytechnic Bill To Address Educational Disparities

ABUJA – Rep. Terseer Ugbor, representing Kwande/Ushongo in Benue State, made a passionate appeal to his colleagues and key stakeholders during a public hearing on Tuesday, urging their support for the bill aimed at establishing the Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ugbor, stressed the historical importance of the project, pointing out that it had been a long-standing initiative dating back to the 8th National Assembly. Senator Barnabas Gemade had laid the foundation for the polytechnic’s establishment, demonstrating the long-term commitment to educational development in the region.

However, the proposed bill, which had raised hopes for significant change, ultimately failed to pass, leaving the community’s aspirations unfulfilled and the newly completed buildings sitting idle. “This setback has been emotionally devastating for my constituents,” Rep. Ugbor shared, pointing to the stark reminder of dreams that remain unachieved.

Hon. Ugbor also highlighted the severe educational disparities in Benue State, particularly in his senatorial district, Benue North-East, which is home to over a million residents. “Despite the district’s vast population, there are no federal institutions of higher learning, no polytechnic, university, or college,” he noted.

“This is especially disheartening, given that our local government has produced five vice chancellors.”

Hon. Ugbor highlighted the stark contrast in the distribution of federal institutions across different regions, noting the significant disparity between zones. For instance, Benue North-West is home to five federal institutions, including Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University and Federal Polytechnic Wanunne, while Benue South has four, such as the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo. Ugbor emphasized that this unequal distribution is not only unfair but also undermines the educational and economic opportunities available to the youth in other regions.

He further pointed to Kwande Local Government’s concentration of secondary schools, stressing the urgent need for a polytechnic to provide students with a viable pathway for further education.

The proposed institution would offer programs in high-demand fields like information technology, engineering, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. By doing so, it would empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds and help break the cycle of poverty, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall progress.

Hon. Ugbor emphasized that the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Adikpo would help address the educational disparity in Benue State and unlock the potential of its youth. He called on his colleagues to support the bill, which would enable students to benefit from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

On his part, Hon. Isiaka Nasiru Adegboyega, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, stressed the vital role of technical education in national development. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to reforming and modernizing technical education to equip young people with the practical skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.

“The establishment of these institutions is a crucial step in bridging the gap between knowledge and employment,” he said, underscoring the House’s ongoing efforts to improve the education sector.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education in Nigeria’s development. He noted that technical education plays a critical role in equipping the youth with the skills necessary for economic growth in an increasingly competitive global economy. The proposed institutions, he said, would bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that young Nigerians are better prepared for the workforce.

According to him, “Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo, is expected to provide specialized training in science, technical education, and management science, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The National College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Illela, will focus on entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to meet local business needs, especially in the border community of Illela, where it aims to stimulate economic activity and reduce unemployment and crime.

The Speaker further assured stakeholders that their contributions during the hearing would be invaluable in refining the bills and ensuring they meet the needs of the Nigerian people. He also praised the Chairman and Members of the Committee for their efforts in advancing these initiatives and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting reforms in the education sector.

The public hearing concluded with the Speaker formally declaring the session open, urging stakeholders to provide constructive input that would guide the House in its legislative processes.