REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ORGANISED BY THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND TETFUND ON FIVE (5) BILLS, HELD ON OCTOBER 30, 2018.

PROTOCOL.

1. I thank the Chairman of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin, for inviting me to this Public Hearing which has been organised for the further consideration of five (5) significant Bills, namely:

i. Federal Polytechnic Daura, Katsina State (Establishment, ETC.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 465);

ii. Federal University of Education, Aguleri, Anambra State. (Establishment, ETC.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 653);

iii. National Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi, Edo State. (Establishment, ETC.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 630);

iv. National Board for Technical Education Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 560); and

v. Federal Polytechnic Ikom, Cross River State. (Establishment, ETC.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 672).

2. Let me take this opportunity to also thank all stakeholders and interested members of the public here present. Your being here today is a demonstration of your commitment to the improvement of our education sector.

3. In the discharge of the mandate of the organising Senate Committee, these very important Bills have been referred to the Public Hearing process for further consideration. The aim is to bring various stakeholders together to dialogue and consider the provisions contained within Bills. This is especially owing to the critical nature of the Bills in question, which are designed to ensure quality education is available to all the regions of Nigeria.

4. I must commend the Committee for the hard work they have done thus far, and for organising this event to allow you air your views about the proposed laws. This affirms our belief in taking lawmaking to the people.

5. Educational standards have been on a downward trajectory over the last few decades, and this has been a major cause of concern for all who want the best for the future of our country. Some have argued that the Nigerian curriculum is outdated and fails to equip students with the requisite tools to succeed in the highly competitive global environment of today. Others point to a significant deficit in infrastructure and the necessary facilities to cater to students entering into our higher institutions.

6. Having regard to these barriers to learning which have been identified over the years, ladies and gentlemen, your contributions at this Public Hearing will be crucial to the revival and sustenance of the education sector. I enjoin you all to ensure that the provisions of the listed Bills receive your due attention, so that we can get them as fit for the purpose as possible. Let me assure that we shall take on board your comments and take very seriously your critiques. If we are to transform our education sector, it bears stating that we need Bills that will come with the maximum benefit for Nigerians.

7. The National Institute of Construction Technology and Management Bill, for instance, is one which should excite all of us. I say this because the Bill is intended to create a conducive environment for education development in Construction Technology. It should also create a legal framework for the Institute, thus ensuring funding and development in the field – and formal, inclusive education for all its members.

8. As earlier noted, in today’s fast paced society, it is important that those emerging from our institutions of learning are equipped with the practical knowledge that sets them on a path to success. I am, therefore, confident that the National Institute of Construction Technology and Management will address in no small way the critical challenges identified in this sector.

9. On its part, the National Board for Technical Education Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, seeks to extend the provisions of the Act and establish the National Commission for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education (NCTVEE). The NCTVEE will advise the Federal Government on all aspects of technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education in the country. This will help in monitoring teaching standards and modes of delivery at our various institutions. In an era in which Nigeria is looking to the youth to become employers of labour and help bring down the high unemployment figures, the proposed amendment is not only necessary but welcome.

10. In the same vein, Bills related to the Federal Polytechnics of Daura and Cross River – as well as the Federal University of Education, Anambra State – are expected to enhance greater access to tertiary institutions in those states, making it easier for constituents and local residents to acquire good, quality education as is their right.

11. At this juncture, let me state, once again, that the Senate remains committed to transforming the education sector through the lawmaking function. I have no doubt, therefore, that the outcome of this Public Hearing will be a big step forward in that direction.

12. Accordingly, distinguished colleagues and eminent stakeholders, it is my pleasure to formally declare this Public Hearing open. I wish you successful deliberations and look forward to the recommendations.

Thank You.

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE