Unemployment : Imo House of Assembly moves for rehabilitation of Technical Colleges for self-reliance 

The Imo State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a motion to tackle unemployment by ensuring that all Technical Colleges in the state are rehabilitated and furnished with up-to-date equipment to promote self-reliance.

This followed the discussion and passage of  a motion titled : Motion for the Rehabilitation of Technical Colleges in Imo State to Tackle Unemployment and Promote Self-Reliance chiefly sponsored by Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie, of Mbaitoli State Constituency and nine others .

Presenting the motion, Hon. Ikpamezie said technical education plays a crucial role in producing skilled manpower such as motor vehicle mechanics, building construction,  carpentry, electronic repairs, and welders, among others.

Hon. Ikpamezie observed that the existing Technical Colleges in the state, Ahiara Technical College,  Government Technical College,  Osu Technical College, and Okporo Technical College, suffer from poor infrastructure, lack of modern tools, and inadequate or lack of qualified instructors.

The lawmaker stressed that a dedicated training facility for technical teachers would increase qualified instructors while the provision of hostel facilities in the colleges and scholarships would enhance and spur rural dwellers who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to enroll in these colleges and bridge the gap between education and employment, creating job opportunities and promoting self-reliance.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu,  said this is the final lap in terms of education for the governor’s investment as he opinionated that once Governor Hope Uzodimma invests in technical education urgently, he would have done everything that has to do with education in the state because other aspects of  education have been taken care of as Imo State youths need to be self-reliant.

Also, in support of the motion, Hon. Johnson Iheonukara Duru, stated that the motion is akin to the establishment of a skill acquisition center and needs to be encouraged, especially now that there are many unemployed graduates on the streets.

Hon. Ozioma Worship Ebonine of Njaba State Constituency, in his contribution, said he was a product of technical school as he has been able to produce extension sockets and individual stabilizers, thereby contributing to innovation and productivity development.

Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, on his part, suggested that the first action is to study the bill establishing technical education in the state and amend it to current realities, adding that the motion captured the core challenges of the state which are unemployment,  drug abuse, hunger, and misguided youths as he encouraged the sponsor of the motion to consider coming up with a bill to cement the desired progress in the encouragement of technical education.

Hon. Sam Osuji, in supporting the motion, said “promoting technical education could be a potent instrument  that can be used to challenge and reduce the recruitment of people into thuggery and banditry.”

After a robust debate, largely in support of the motion, the Speaker, Hon. Chike Olemgbe put the question on the following prayers, which were unanimously adopted by the members that :

1. Be it resolved by this Honourable House to urge His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON; Governor of Imo State, through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education to rehabilitate and upgrade all technical colleges in Imo State, provide them with modern equipment,  functional workshops, and well trained instructors.

2. Be it resolved by this Honourable House To Urge His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON; Governor of Imo State, through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education introduce hostel facilities in existing Technical Colleges to encourage students from all parts of the state to enroll.

3. To provide stipends or financial support to students pursuing technical education,  thereby encouraging enrollment and reducing dropout rates.

4. While advocating for a strong partnership between Technical Colleges and Private Industries to facilitate internships and employment opportunities for graduates of this scheme.

The Clerk, Chinelo Emeghara Esq, was then directed to communicate the resolution of the House to the governor of the state.