REPS SUMMON EDUCATION MINISTER OVER TVET PROGRAMME PROBE

REPS SUMMON EDUCATION MINISTER OVER TVET PROGRAMME PROBE

…Lawmakers Fault Minister’s Absence After Seven Invitations in 18 Months

The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has expressed strong displeasure over the failure of the Minister of Education to honour its invitation to an investigative hearing on the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

Speaking at the resumption of the hearing, Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Laguda, said the Minister had failed to respond to seven formal invitations issued by the committee over a period of more than 18 months.

Laguda lamented that neither the Minister nor any representative of the Federal Ministry of Education attended the investigative session or communicated reasons for their absence.

He described the development as an affront to the authority of Parliament and a disregard for legislative oversight responsibilities.

The committee consequently directed the Ministry of Education to submit comprehensive details and relevant documents relating to the Federal Government’s TVET initiative on or before August 18, 2026.

Lawmakers stressed the need for accountability and transparency in the implementation of the programme, which is aimed at enhancing technical and vocational skills development across the country.

Following deliberations, the committee adjourned the hearing until September 17, 2026, when it expects the Minister of Education to personally appear and provide the requested information.

The lawmakers maintained that parliamentary oversight remains a constitutional responsibility and that government agencies must cooperate with the National Assembly in matters of public interest.