The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has raised alarm over the high rate of underemployment among Nigerian youth, attributing the trend to a widespread lack of technical and vocational skills needed to compete in today’s evolving job market.
Speaking at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education in Abuja on Wednesday, Abbas emphasized the urgent need to expand access to practical, skills-based education. The Speaker, who was represented by Auwal Gwadabe (PDP, Bauchi), noted that about 55% of Nigeria’s youth are either unemployed or underemployed due to limited exposure to technical training and modern vocational education.
He highlighted that in the face of technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, and Big Data, theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient for sustainable employment.
“We must equip our youth with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving, technologically driven job market,” Abbas said. “The main objective of establishing higher technical institutions is to expand access to quality vocational education for young Nigerians whose future is jeopardized by limited technical education opportunities.”
Abbas described technical and vocational training as essential tools for national economic reform and stressed that the 10th National Assembly, under its “People’s House” agenda, is committed to making such education both accessible and qualitative.
Legislators Push for Technical Colleges and Skills-Based Learning
Chairman of the Committee, Kayode Laguda, reinforced the House’s support for legislation that promotes entrepreneurship education and skill acquisition. He stated that several proposed bills are designed to empower Nigerians to become job creators rather than job seekers.
One of such proposals, introduced by Solomon Wombo, seeks to establish a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Zaki Biam, Benue State. According to Wombo, the initiative aims to fill critical gaps in entrepreneurship and vocational training, especially for youth in underserved regions.
“This initiative goes beyond harnessing human and natural resources. It’s a strategic tool to curb unemployment and foster innovation,” Wombo stated. “A skills-based curriculum will empower students for careers in commerce, agriculture, industry, and vocations sectors that fuel Nigeria’s economy.”
He added that entrepreneurship incubation is key to addressing youth unemployment, reducing political and social instability, and fostering economic growth. By equipping young Nigerians with hands-on training and business skills, Wombo said the bill aims to promote self-reliance and reduce overdependence on white-collar jobs.
“Integrating entrepreneurship with technology gives our youth the tools to engage actively in local economic development. It’s a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalisation,” he said.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to boost micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), improve job creation, and serve as a model for technical and entrepreneurship education nationwide.
