Bill to establish vocational college ‘ll address get-rich-quick syndrome – Sen Olalere

The Senator made this known in an interview with Journalists in his office at the National Assembly complex, while speaking on the sidelines of the Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State.

The Bill, which was sponsored by him, passed the second reading after it was read for the second time in the hallowed chamber.

The lawmaker emphasized that the acquisition of skills is the only panacea to the get-rich-quick syndrome which has eaten deep into the fabric of our society.

“In fact, this Bill is just the formula for getting rich quickly. Just take tiling or PoP making for instance, if somebody is very good, very fast at that and gets to Abuja today, within the next one year, you will be richer than a graduate.

“When you have a skill and you can go to any level. You can even go to any other country. I’m not against japa, but japa with skill, so you will not become a burden in the country you are going to. Once you get something, you are a useful citizen to yourself.

“So to get rich quick is to learn a good skill. People who master skills, they know the importance. If you look around, you will notice that the Chinese that are in this country, most of them are not university graduates, they are technicians.

“I’ve interacted with them before I came up with this bill”, he said.

In his lead debate of the Bill during the plenary, Senator Olarere explained that the establishment of Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria.

“Mr President, my very Distinguished Colleagues, it is with gratitude that I rise to lead the Debate on the general principles of this important Bill.

“This Bill, seek to establish the Federal college of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State. The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Wednesday 4th December, 2024.

“Distinguished Senators, undoubtedly, establishing a Federal Vocational and Technical college like this, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria”, he stated.

The Senator further pointed out that the Bill will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market.

According to him, this will help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment.

He noted that the Technical and Vocational institution established by this Bill will provide acceptable certificates in middle-level Technical training education expertise in areas like, Automobile and Heavy-duty Trucks Mechanics, Electrician Technician, Panel and Iron Melting Technician, Fridges and Air Conditioner Technician, Building Technology, Paint Manufacturing Technician, Dying and Fabric artisan, Furniture and woodwork artisans, Corporate programming Tech, Tailoring and Fabric design artisan, Beautician, Soap and Detergent manufacturing Artisans, among others.

“My very distinguished colleagues, as a country, we must as a matter of priority, encourage technical skill acquisition to align with the global paradigm shift especially now that Artificial intelligence is taking over human activities in the labour market. This will also minimize youth restiveness and other social vices in the country.

“Mr. President, my Distinguished colleagues, it is certain that this Bill, when passed will improve career and technical education which will make the trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time”, he added.