@ Information Department IMHA
The Imo State House of Assembly today, 12 March 2025, passed a motion to tackle unemployment by ensuring that all technical colleges are rehabilitated and furnished with up-to-date equipment to promote self-reliance.
This came as a motion titled: Motion for the Rehabilitation of Technical Colleges in Imo State to Tackle Unemployment and Promote Self-Reliance chiefly sponsored by Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie of Mbaitoli State Constituency and nine others was discussed and passed.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie maintained that technical education plays a crucial role in producing skilled manpower such as motor vehicle mechanics, building construction, carpentry, electronic repairs, and welders, among others.
Ikpamezie observed that the existing technical colleges in the state, namely: Ahiara Technical College, Government Technical College, Osu Technical College, and Okporo Technical College, suffer from poor infrastructure, lack of modern tools, and inadequate or lack of qualified instructors.
He stated that a dedicated training facility for technical teachers would increase qualified instructors while the provision of hostel facilities in the colleges and scholarships would enhance and spur rural dwellers who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to enroll in these colleges and bridge the gap between education and employment, creating job opportunities and promoting self-reliance.
Speaking in support of the motion, the member of Nkwerre state constituency Hon. Chisom Ojukwu said that this is the final lap in terms of education for the governor’s investment as he opinionated that once His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma invests in technical education urgently, he would have done everything that has to do with education in Imo State because other aspects of education have been taken care of as Imo state youths need to be self-reliant.
Also, in support of the motion, Hon. Johnson Iheonukara Duru said that the motion is akin to the establishment of a skill acquisition center and needs to be encouraged, especially now that there are many unemployed graduates on our streets.
Hon. Ozioma Worship Ebonine of Njaba State Constituency was bold to say he was a product of technical school as he has been able to produce extension sockets and individual Stabilizers, thereby contributing to innovation and productivity development.
Hon. Kennedy Ibeh suggested the first action is to study the bill establishing technical education in the state and amend it to our current realities.
Hon. Ibeh said the motion captured the core challenges of the state which are unemployment, drug abuse, hunger, and misguided youths as he encouraged the sponsor of the motion to consider coming up with a bill to cement the desired progress in the encouragement of technical education.
Moreover, Hon. Sam Osuji added, “Promoting technical education could be a potent instrument that can be used to challenge and reduce the recruitment of people into thuggery and banditry.”
After a robust debate, largely in support of the Motion, the Speaker put the question on the following prayers,which were unanimously adopted by the Members
- 1. Be it resolved by this Honourable House to urge His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON; Governor of Imo State through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education to rehabilitate and upgrade all technical colleges in Imo State, provide them with modern equipment, functional workshops, and well trained instructors.
- 2. Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Urge His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON; Governor of Imo State through the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education introduce hostel facilities in existing Technical Colleges to encourage students from all parts of the state to enroll.
- 3. To provide stipends or financial support to students pursuing technical education, thereby encouraging enrollment and reducing dropout rates.
- 4. While advocating for a strong partnership between Technical Colleges and Private Industries to facilitate internships and employment opportunities for graduates of this scheme.
The Clerk Chinelo Emeghara Esq was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency, the Governor of the state.
