By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
Following the motion moved by the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, the Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education rehabiltate and upgrade all technical colleges in Imo State, providing them with modern equipments, functional workshops, and well-trained instructors.
They also urged for hostel facilities to be made available in the existing Technical Colleges, students encouraged from all parts of the State to enroll in the colleges, as stipends or financial support will be provided for the students to encourage enrollment, and reduce rates of dropout.
The motion which was presented by the Mbaitoli lawmaker during the House plenary on Wednesday, also advocated for strong partnerships between Technical Colleges and Private Industries to facilitates internships and employment opportunities for graduates of the colleges.
Speaking on the motion, Ikpamezie pointed out that technical education plays a crucial role in national development by producing skilled manpower in areas such as motor vehicle mechanics, building and concreting, carpentry, refrigeration and air conditioning, electronics repairs, fabrication and welding, electrical installation, mechanical works, among others.
He decried that this may not be achieved in Imo State as the existing technical colleges; Technical College, Government Technical College, Osu Ahiara Technical College and Okporo Technical College, in the State lack the basic infrastructure, modern tools, adequate qualified instructors and low student enrollment to churn out graduates that can possess such skills for the benefit of the state and the country at large.
These colleges he averred , have been neglected for years, but can be brought back to life when a dedicated training facility for technical teachers could be put in place to increase qualified instructors in the colleges, hostel facilities made available for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Mbaitoli legislator continued,”provision of modern equipment and tool to upgrade the said schools and introducing a scholarship scheme will encourage enrollment to these technical colleges.
“The re-habilitation, equipping of these Institutions will bridge the gap between education and unemployment, as job opportunities will be created and graduates that are self-reliant produced.
Overwhelmingly supporting the motion and commending the Mbaitoli lawmaker for it were: Former Speaker of the House; Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, Majority Leader; Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, Deputy Majority Leader; Rt. Hon. Sam Osuji, Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Princewill Amuchie, Deputy Chief Whip; Kelechi Ofurum.
Others were: Members Representing Oru West; Rt. Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, Ideato South; Rt. Hon. Johnson Duru Iheonukara, Nkwerre; Hon. Chisom Ojukwu Ideato North, Hon. Okechukwu Udeze, Njaba; Hon. Ozioma Ebonine, Isu; Barr Kingsley Ozurumba, Onuimo; James Esile, Ohaji Egbema lawmaker, Hon. Francis Osuoha.
They all spoke in favour of the motion, saying it is a laudable one as Technical colleges produces graduates that manufacture lots of things that can make the country to attain a level of independence.
They cited countries like Japan, China, Indonesia, among others who they said are thriving from such skills.
As there was no one against the motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe put it to vote, and the Ayes had it.
