House of Reps Holds Public Hearing on Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko Establishment Bill

The House of Representatives, today, held a public hearing on the bill seeking to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko, Ondo State.

The hearing, organized by the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the proposed institution, which aims to bridge the gap in teacher education and expand access to higher learning in Ondo State and beyond.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to advancing education through legislative interventions. He noted that, “Education remains a cornerstone of national development, and this bill aligns with our vision to enhance teacher education and improve access to quality learning institutions across the country. The House remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that will positively impact the future of our young people.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, Hon. Adamu Tanko, emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed institution, stating that, “With the conversion of the only Federal College of Education in Ondo State to a Federal University of Education, there is a clear need to establish a new teacher training institution to serve the state and the entire country. This initiative will help produce well-trained educators while also boosting the socio-economic development of the region.”

In his remarks, the sponsor of the bill Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Member representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, expressed optimism about the bill’s passage, highlighting the preparedness of Oyin Akoko to host the institution. “This bill is a response to the growing demand for teacher education and the need to provide a cost-effective and safe learning environment for our students. Oyin Akoko has the necessary infrastructure, a peaceful environment, and a strategic location to accommodate and kick-start this institution without delay,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in attendance, HRM Oba Adetona Victor Ojo Olasehinde (JP), Odagbabaja III, Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, and HRH Oba Lawrence Bamisile II, The Oloyin of Oyin Akoko, both commended the House for prioritizing education and assured their unwavering support for the project. “Education is the foundation of development, and we, as custodians of tradition, fully support this initiative. Our communities are ready to welcome and nurture this institution for the benefit of our people and future generations,” Oba Bamisile affirmed.

The public hearing was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Nigerian Teachers Institute (NTI), and according to the NCCE Representative, who stated, “The establishment of more Colleges of Education is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s teacher education system, ensuring accessibility, and improving the quality of teaching nationwide for such a time as this.

And to our party leaders, youth groups, students, and the good people of Akoko Northeast and Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency.

The bill has been accepted and passed for further legislative action, paving the way for the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Oyin Akoko.

Signed:
Blessing James Akeju
Chief Press Secretary to
Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero