Written by; Moses O. Igharo In recent decades, artificial intelligence has evolved from a distant scientific dream to an integral part of everyday life. AI algorithms now drive everything from search engines and personal assistants to medical diagnostics and autonomous vehicles. This rapid rise brings unparalleled convenience and power but also ignites a profound existential question: Is humanity on the path toward cognitive extinction? The Risk of Cognitive Atrophy in the Age of AI The human brain, a marvel of evolution, thrives on challenge, problem-solving, creativity, and learning. Historically, our survival and progress depended on these very faculties. However, as AI increasingly takes over tasks once requiring significant human effort—calculations, data analysis, navigation, even decision-making—there is a real risk that our brains may begin to atrophy from disuse. Think of it like a muscle: if we stop exercising our critical thinking and problem-solving skills because mach...
PRESS RELEASE
Youth Unemployment: House of Reps Moves to Establish Vocational Training Centres in All 774 LGAs
Abuja, Nigeria – June 2025
In a bold legislative push to combat the alarming rate of youth unemployment across Nigeria, the House of Representatives has initiated a strategic motion to establish Vocational Skills Development Centres in each of the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The motion, which received overwhelming bipartisan support during plenary, was sponsored by Hon. member, who stressed that Nigeria's current unemployment and underemployment statistics pose a serious threat to national stability and development. He emphasized the urgent need for a skills-based intervention that can empower young people and create sustainable livelihoods.
“There is a widening gap between academic qualifications and the practical skills needed in today’s economy,” said Hon. [Name]. “By establishing vocational centres in every LGA, we will decentralize access to skills training, promote local enterprise, and reduce youth dependency on white-collar jobs.”
Scope and Objectives of the Initiative
The proposed vocational centres will be equipped to provide hands-on training in high-demand skills, including:
-
Carpentry and Furniture Making
-
Tailoring and Fashion Design
-
Electrical Installation and Solar Technology
-
Plumbing and Tiling
-
Auto Mechanics and Mechatronics
-
ICT, Coding, and Digital Marketing
-
Agro-processing and Agribusiness
Each centre will be operated in collaboration with state and local governments, community leaders, and relevant federal agencies such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Implementation Framework
According to the motion, the federal government will fund the construction and startup of the centres, while local governments will provide land and facilitate community ownership. Strategic partnerships with private sector players and development organizations will ensure sustainability, modern curricula, and real-time job placement support for graduates.
Youth at the Centre
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the initiative is seen as a timely response to growing concerns over youth restiveness, cybercrime, and irregular migration. Legislators believe that if well executed, the centres can provide millions of young Nigerians with the tools to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The Speaker of the House, praised the initiative as a legacy intervention, stating:
“This House remains committed to youth empowerment. We must retool our young people with the practical skills they need to survive, compete, and innovate in this century.”
Next Steps
The House Committee on Labour, Youth Development, and Appropriations has been mandated to collaborate with relevant MDAs to develop an actionable roadmap, including a timeline for the rollout of pilot centres in selected LGAs.
The move has received widespread praise from civil society groups, youth organizations, and development partners who see vocational training as a critical engine for inclusive economic growth and national development.
Media Contact:
Office of the Clerk,
House of Representatives
National Assembly Complex, Abuja
Email: info@nass.gov.ng
Comments
Post a Comment