Oshiomhole Advocates for Vocational Skills in Education

During a Senate debate on the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, urged young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills. He highlighted that construction companies are struggling to find electricians and that diplomatic missions are unable to recruit chefs.

Oshiomhole argued that basic education should focus on equipping citizens with practical skills rather than solely aiming for university degrees. He stated that many skilled occupations, such as bricklaying and electrical work, remain unfilled despite the number of young people pursuing formal education.

Oshiomhole clarified that his stance does not oppose university education but emphasizes the value of practical skills. He also called for transparency in the proposed legislation, stressing the need for lawmakers to examine the bill for potential loopholes to ensure proper use of allocated education funds.

The Senate passed the bill for second reading and referred it to the Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary).