The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on Governor Ahmed Ododo to prioritise the comprehensive rehabilitation of Government Technical College, Ankpa, alongside other technical colleges across the state.
The resolution was passed on Thursday following a motion raised by the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon. Lawal Akus, who described the condition of the college as worrisome and unfit for effective technical training.
Presenting the motion, Akus said the institution, established in 1976 to promote science and technical education, had over the years produced skilled artisans in fields such as electrical installation, welding and fabrication, automobile mechanics, building construction, and fitting and machining.
“Government Technical College, Ankpa, was set up to bridge skills gaps and provide manpower for economic development. Sadly, what we see today is severe infrastructural decay, obsolete equipment, and facilities that are no longer functional,” he said.
He noted that the situation had significantly reduced the school’s capacity to meet present-day vocational and technical education standards.
According to him, “If Kogi State must compete favourably in skills acquisition and technological advancement, we must urgently reposition our technical colleges to meet modern realities.”
The Assembly urged the state government to renovate classrooms, workshops, laboratories, hostels and other support facilities, while also providing up-to-date tools and equipment.
Lawmakers further mandated the Ministries of Education and Science, Technology and Innovation to recruit and continuously train qualified instructors and technologists to strengthen technical education delivery.
Akus acknowledged ongoing investments in the education sector, including the establishment of state-owned universities and scholarship schemes, but stressed that technical and vocational education remains central to youth empowerment and job creation.
“Technical education equips our young people with practical, industry-relevant skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship. It is a critical pathway to reducing poverty and driving sustainable development,” he added.
Other members who contributed to the debate described the motion as timely, noting that strengthening technical institutions would enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth across the state.
With the adoption of the motion, the House reaffirmed its commitment to promoting skills acquisition as a strategic tool for socio-economic development in Kogi State.
