By Aaron Ossai
The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education has directed 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) programme by August 18, 2026.
The committee also gave the Minister of Education until September 17, 2026, to personally appear before lawmakers, warning that continued failure to honour its invitations could trigger further legislative action.
The resolutions were reached on Thursday during an investigative hearing at the National Assembly, where committee members expressed dissatisfaction over the minister’s repeated absence despite several official invitations.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, said the panel had written to the ministry on multiple occasions since January 30, 2025, requesting information on the TVET programme. He noted that the latest invitation, dated July 30, 2026, was also ignored, with neither the minister nor any representative attending the hearing.
According to Laguda, the committee had maintained a cordial relationship with the ministry and described the latest development as unexpected. He reminded the ministry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to investigate the activities of ministries, departments and agencies in the exercise of its oversight responsibilities.
Several lawmakers condemned the minister’s absence. Hon. Rabiu Yusuf described it as a sign of disrespect for the legislature and moved a motion for a vote of no confidence against the minister, arguing that repeated failure to acknowledge the committee’s correspondence or provide the requested information undermined parliamentary oversight.
Hon. Bayo Adepoju also criticised the minister’s conduct, calling it a direct affront to the National Assembly. He said Nigerians deserved accountability on the implementation of the TVET programme, especially after several unanswered invitations.
However, Hon. Paul Kalejaiye urged the committee to exercise restraint and give the minister one final opportunity to appear before taking punitive measures. Adepoju later supported the proposal, while Laguda said he believed the minister deserved the benefit of the doubt based on their previous working relationship.
The committee subsequently resolved to issue a fresh directive requiring the ministry to submit all requested documents on the TVET programme to its secretariat by August 18. It also adjourned the investigative hearing to September 17, when the minister is expected to appear in person.
Laguda said the committee requires comprehensive information on the implementation of the TVET initiative from inception to date to enable lawmakers to properly scrutinise the programme and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
