The House of Representatives has passed the second reading of a bill to establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Ilorin West, Kwara State, a major step forward in tackling youth unemployment and boosting Nigeria’s capacity for innovation.
Sponsored by Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, who represents Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, the bill (HB 554) aims to equip young Nigerians with vocational and entrepreneurial skills aligned with global economic trends. The institution is expected to serve as a catalyst for job creation and sustainable development by bridging the country’s widening skills gap.
“This institution is not just about education; it’s about empowering our people to compete globally,” Hon. Shagaya said during the debate. “We are laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy that will attract investment, boost productivity, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”
A statement from Shagaya’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Basheer Luqman, described the bill’s advancement as a “significant milestone” for Kwara State. He noted that the proposed college would function as a hub for practical training in high-demand sectors, including technology, agriculture, and the creative industries.
Hon. Shagaya, who also serves on the House Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has been vocal in his advocacy for policies that support Nigeria’s youth and creative sector. His legislative efforts, Luqman said, reflect a deep commitment to uplifting his constituency on both national and international stages.
“From infrastructure to education and youth empowerment, Rep. Shagaya is working tirelessly to ensure the Constituency takes its rightful place on the national and global map,” Luqman added. He called on constituents to rally behind the lawmaker as the bill moves to the next stage of legislative scrutiny.
The proposed institution has drawn wide support from stakeholders across Kwara State, including traditional leaders, educators, and youth organizations, who described it as a “game-changer” for local economic development.
If passed into law, the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition is expected to open new avenues for self-reliance among young Nigerians, reducing dependency on limited white-collar jobs and accelerating the shift toward a skills-based economy.
