The House Committee on Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to submit all documents relating to the implementation of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The committee, which made the demand on Thursday following the failure of the minister of education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to appear at the investigative hearing, insisted that all submissions be done on or before Aug. 18.
The lawmakers gave the minister a final opportunity to personally appear before Sept. 17, warning that his continued failure to honour its invitations could attract further legislative action.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that the minister’s continued absence was a disregard for the authority of the legislature and its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
He said that the committee had earlier considered a proposal to pass a vote of no confidence on the minister over his repeated failure to honour its invitations.
The reps, however, said that following interventions by some members, the committee resolved to give a final opportunity to appear.
“We have written several correspondences starting from Jan. 30, 2025, seeking information on the activities of technical vocational education training being implemented by the government.
“The last invitation was on July 30, but the minister is not here and no representative was sent to the committee,” Laguda said.
The chairman noted that the committee had maintained a cordial working relationship with the ministry and described the latest development as unexpected and unacceptable.
He reminded the ministry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the National Assembly to investigate the activities of ministries, departments and agencies as part of its legislative and oversight responsibilities.
