Bill to establish Federal College of Education Kwara passes second reading
A bill seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Afon, Kwara State on Wednesday scale through a second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya, the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, the bill was first read on the floor of the Green Chamber on July 25, 2023.
However, Shagaya while leading Wednesday’s debate at plenary on the general principles of the bill, argued that the existence of a sound and robust educational system in any country is predicated on the availability of qualified and well-trained teachers to impact the required knowledge, skills, discipline and values on the students.
Justifying the need to establish the college, Shagaya said, “Kwara State, despite its strategic location and rich cultural and educational heritage, remains without a Federal College of Education. This stands in stark contrast to the progress made in several other states and leaves Kwara underserved in the area of teacher training and professional development.
“Out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara is among the minority that lacks a federal institution dedicated to training teachers. This is a critical gap that we must address to ensure equitable access to quality education for all Nigerians.”
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He noted that when established, the Federal College of Education, Afon will “Provide equitable access to teacher training and education. By locating the institution in Afon, we bring quality teacher training closer to the underserved populations of Kwara and its neighbouring states.”
He also noted that the institution will address the shortage of qualified teachers, saying “The college will produce a steady stream of professionally trained teachers, particularly for the rural and underserved areas thus bridging the gap in educational equity,” he said.
He added that the college, when established “will stimulate socio-economic growth in Afon and its environs through job creation, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
“It will support the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. By addressing educational inequalities and strengthening teacher quality, this institution aligns with the ERGP’s goals of inclusive growth and human capital development.
“The people of Afon are eager and ready to host this institution. In my engagements with the community, they have demonstrated their commitment to support the establishment of the College of Education. This gesture emphasises their understanding of the transformative impact such an institution will have on their lives and their future,” Shagaya stressed.
Conclusively, Shagaya noted that “The establishment of the Federal College of Education, Afon, Kwara State, is not just a matter of equity but also a critical investment in our nation’s future.
“The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government is in tandem with the provision of this proposed bill as it is set to improve teacher quality by incentivising performance and building capabilities and capacities.”
Source: PUNCH
