The Ekiti State House of Assembly has restated its commitment to the development of Technical Education and the enhancement of Adult Literacy in the state.
This assurance was given by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Adeyemi Awoniyi, during the Committee’s oversight visit to key education agencies, including the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, the Education Trust Fund (ETF), and the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education.
Hon. Awoniyi said the 7th Assembly would continue to make laws and amend existing legislation to strengthen the performance of relevant agencies and promote sound, quality education in the state.
Assembly Visits Education Trust Fund
During a visit to the Education Trust Fund, the Chairman sympathised with the management over the recent death of its Board Chairman, Professor Olumilua Igbalajobi.
He commended the agency for its efforts in monitoring the implementation of government policies and educational programmes across the state.
“The ETF is a crucial organ in the education sector, and its activities must not be handled with levity,” Awoniyi said, stressing the Assembly’s resolve to continue its oversight to assess performance and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Support for Technical and Vocational Education
At the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Awoniyi praised the management for promoting technical education in the state.
He urged them to intensify efforts in repositioning technical schools to attract more youths and adults, especially in a rapidly evolving job market that requires practical skills.
“The Committee is ready to support every effort aimed at making technical schools attractive to young people and adults across the state,” he said.
Focus on Adult and Non-Formal Education
The Committee also visited the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, where Hon. Awoniyi reiterated the importance of adult literacy as a tool for social development.
He noted that the oversight visit was aimed at identifying the progress, needs, and challenges of the agency to enable the Assembly to make informed decisions on policy and budget matters.
Agencies Present Challenges, Request Support
In separate remarks, the Executive Secretaries of the Education Trust Fund, Mrs. Bosede Jegede, and the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, Mrs. Modupe Falade, expressed appreciation to the Committee for the visit and continued support, especially during budget defence.
They highlighted some of their achievements over the last six months and also presented key challenges, including shortage of utility vehicles, office space, and staffing. They appealed for intervention from the House, the government, and concerned stakeholders.
Board Chairman Calls for Support and Sponsorship
The Chairman, Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Hon. Kayode Babade, a former lawmaker, welcomed the Committee’s visit, describing it as timely and strategic.
He explained the mandate of the Board and urged the lawmakers to support awareness campaigns in their constituencies to promote technical education.
He also appealed to the Assembly members to sponsor school leavers, unemployed youths, and vulnerable adults to government-owned technical colleges within their local governments.
Lawmakers Laud Agencies, Request Input
Other members of the Committee, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Johnson Bode Adeoye, Hon. Babatunde Oke, and Hon. Femi Fatunla, commended the leadership of the various agencies for their dedication to educational advancement in Ekiti State.
They encouraged the agencies to submit detailed reports indicating areas where legislative intervention is needed for enhanced service delivery.