The Nigerian Senate has passed the first reading of two significant bills sponsored by Senator Jide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District, aimed at boosting education and environmental accountability in the country.
One of the bills seeks to upgrade the Government Technical College, Owo, to a Federal Technical College of Education, while the other proposes amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to strengthen environmental compliance and support host communities.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the session, Senator Ipinsagba described the deplorable condition of the Owo Technical College as a motivating factor behind the education bill. He lamented the infrastructure decay in what was once a model institution in Ondo State.
“The institution used to be the pride of the region,” he said. “It’s time we gave education, especially technical and vocational training, its rightful place in national development. This bill is about bringing affordable, quality education closer to the people and aligning with the demands of technological advancement.”
The proposed Federal College of Education, once established, will be empowered to provide full-time courses in technology, applied sciences, commerce, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management.
It will also support research in applied techniques and innovation, while provisions will be made for the appointment of a Provost and key officials to manage the institution.
Senator Ipinsagba emphasized that the initiative is part of his broader plan to empower the youth of Ondo North Senatorial District through education and skill acquisition.
The Owo Technical College, founded in 1988, currently offers training in disciplines such as Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Radio and Electronics Work, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
In a parallel development, the Petroleum Industry Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, also sponsored by the Senator, passed first reading on the floor of the Senate.
The amendment seeks to mandate quarterly environmental audits of upstream petroleum operations by licensees, lessees, and permit holders, to enhance accountability and environmental responsibility. It also proposes increased funding for the economic development of host communities affected by oil exploration.
“These bills are people-centered and align with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Senator Ipinsagba said.
“They are designed to touch lives directly by transforming educational infrastructure and improving environmental governance in the petroleum sector.”
1 comment
All of you are asking for federal agencies and institutions and continue to create problems for the federal government. This is why govt cannot provide basic amenities to it’s people. Let them ask how the welfare of people will improve. How many jobs are created for school leavers?