Prioritize science, health technology – Reps tell MDAs

By Christiana Ekpa

The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Hon Fuad Kayode Laguda, on Monday urged relevant authorities to prioritise science and health technology.
Laguda, who made the call at a public hearing on three Bills, said this is in a bid to drive economic growth, improve healthy living standards and address societal challenges.
He said it include a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act.Cap.F17. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal College of Science and Health Technology, Mbu Isiuzo, Enugu State to provide qualitative education in sciences, health, arts and other technical knowledge; and for related matters (HB.589) sponsored by Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi; a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Acts.Cap.F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Bungudu, Zamfara state to provide qualitative education and for related matters (HB.497) Hon.
Abdulmalik Zubairu; and a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act 2010, to Establish Federal Institute of technical and vocational education, Imeko, Ogun State for the purpose of providing qualitative education in technical vocational education and for related matters (HB.506) – sponsored Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka.
He said the Bills were timely and in tandem with the quest for more sustainable human and technological development for a self-reliant society.
“As you may be aware, we cannot, at this juncture of our development, underestimate the importance of science, technology, vocational and technical education as the key drivers of our socio-economic development.
“We therefore need to prioritise and recognize the importance of science and health technology in driving economic growth, improving healthy living standards as well as addressing societal challenges.”