Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere
A bill seeking for an act to establish South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies in Umuobom, Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, passed through second reading during the House of Representatives plenary on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation titled, “Bill for an Act to Establish the South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies Umuobun, Imo State, to harness the Innovative Talents, Entrepreneurship Spirit, Develop the Vocational Skills relevant to Business Creation and Technological problem-solving, prevalent in the South East Region of Nigeria,” was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ideato, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Ugochinyere noted that the bill seeks to establish a federal vocational and entrepreneurial Institute in the South East region to harness and institutionalize innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical skills, provide training that reduces youth unemployment and insecurity through job creation.
He also noted that the bill seeks to align vocational education with 21st-century business, innovation, and technology needs.
The lawmaker further argued that Nigeria faces a pressing challenge of youth unemployment, regional economic disparity, growing insecurity linked to joblessness.
He added that the South East region was renowned for its deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and a culture of innovation, “but these talents often lack formal incubation or technical refinement.”
Hon Ugochinchere expressed optimism that creating a specialized federal Institute focused on vocational training, entrepreneurship development, will address both economic empowerment and national security in one strategic move.
According to Ugochinyere, “This Institute will provide a foundation for sustainable development, skill transfer, enterprise incubation, and youth productivity in the South East and beyond. Clause 1 establishes the Institute as a corporate entity under federal law, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Commission for Colleges of Education. Clauses 2–4 provide for the establishment of a Governing Council, its composition, tenure, and periodic visitation to ensure oversight and evaluation. Clause 5–7 outline the functions and powers of the Institute and its Governing Council. These include organizing full/part-time vocational and innovation-focused programs, issuing certificates and diplomas, conducting research, organizing seminars, and collaborating with local and international partners.
“Clauses 8–12 detail the appointment and duties of principal officers—the Rector, Deputy Rector, Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian—along with staff regulations and pension entitlements. Clauses 13–15 provide frameworks for disciplinary actions concerning both staff and students to ensure accountability. Clause 16 establishes an Academic Board to oversee academic regulations, awards, and internal quality assurance. Clauses 17–21 address the financial management of the Institute, including federal funding (especially for the first 10 years), donations, audited accounts, and annual reporting.”
He added that the establishment of this institute is not only constitutional, but it is also a practical response to Nigeria’s triple dilemma of unemployment, insecurity, and regional underdevelopment.
Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD who presided over the session, was passed and referred to the committee on alternative education and South East Development Commission
