The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has mandated the Ministry of Education to immediately incorporate practical vocational and entrepreneurial education into the secondary school curriculum starting from JSS1, continuing through Senior Secondary Class 3.
The House has also urged the Ministry to put in place a monitoring and evaluation framework through the House Committee on Education to ensure the effective implementation, tracking, and impact of the program, holding stakeholders accountable for successful outcomes.
The House passed the resolution on Thursday, following a motion raised by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan and supported by the member for Essien Udim, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, on the need for the implementation of practical vocational and entrepreneurial education in secondary schools.
This was brought pursuant to Order lll rules 1&2 of the Standing Orders of the 8th Assembly.
Hon. Eric Akpan explained that the motion which is in furtherance of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno which emphasizes on human capacity development, youth empowerment and economic diversification, was necessitated by the need to integrate practical skill-based education within the secondary schools to adequately prepare students for the challenges of the modern economy.
He argued that the introduction of practical vocational and entrepreneurial education in secondary schools will equip students with marketable skills that enable them to either start their own businesses or contribute effectively to existing businesses upon graduation.
Contributing to the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, members representing, Ikono – Rt. Hon. Asuquo Udo, Ibiono Ibom – Hon. Moses Essien, and Nsit Ubium – Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob commended the Nsit Ibom representative for the motion.
They argued that the spirit behind this motion is aimed at ensuring that Akwa Ibom children have the basic vocational foundation, as the incorporation of vocational training in secondary Schools would get them fully armed with skills set before they leave secondary Schools.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.(Elder ) Udeme Otong, who presided over the day’s plenary, observed that skills development will be greatly enhanced the State when the resolution is implemented by appropriate quarters.
He directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution of the House to appropriate quarters for implementation.
Also, today, the House conducted a valedictory session in honour of Late. Hon. Maurice John Ukpong, who represented Oniong Edor State Constituency in the erstwhile Cross River State House of Assembly. He passed on at the age of 80.
Motion for the valedictory session was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Sunday Johnny of Onna State Constituency, seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, calling for the suspension of the standing Order of the House to enable strangers to access the legislative chamber.
Members who attended the valedictory sitting eulogized the life and times of the Late Hon. Ukpong.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the departed former parliamentarian, while the Speaker, Rt. Hon. ( Elder )Otong led serving and former legislators, as they paid their last respect to the deceased.
They described their departed colleague as a man of proven integrity who was committed to rendering services to humanity, praying God to grant him a peaceful rest and the bereaved family members the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, the plenary has been adjourned to Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Press Unit
Office of the Speaker
AKHA
