The House of Representatives has commenced moves to boost technical and entrepreneurial skills in the South East with a bill seeking to establish the South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies in Umuobom, Ideato Federal Constituency, Imo State.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), aims to create a federal institution dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and technical skills development in line with modern economic and industrial demands.
The public hearing, organised by the House Committee on Alternative Education, provided a platform for stakeholders to present inputs and recommendations before the bill proceeds to third reading.
Speaking during the session, Ugochinyere said the proposed institute represents a bold step towards building “the Nigeria we dream of where certificates alone no longer determine success, but where skills, creativity, and innovation become the engine of prosperity.”
He described the bill as both a development initiative and a matter of justice, noting that the South East, despite its enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy, remains underserved in terms of federal educational investment.
He explained that the institute would equip young Nigerians with practical, technical, and entrepreneurial skills; promote innovation and research; and create pathways to meaningful employment and sustainable businesses.
Stressing the global recognition of the Igbo apprenticeship model as a framework for grassroots entrepreneurship, the lawmaker said integrating such indigenous systems with modern research and training would transform not just the region, but the entire country.
The lawmaker also stated that locating this institute in Imo State sends a strong message that the federal government is committed to inclusive, balanced development.
Ugochinyere said, “The bill to establish the Southeast Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies, Umuokpom, is about building the Nigeria we dream of, a Nigeria where certificates alone no longer determine success, but where skills, creativity, and innovation become the engine of prosperity. Today is not just about a bill. It is about a vision.
“A vision of Southeast, and indeed a Nigeria, where our young people are no longer trapped by unemployment, insecurity, or neglect, but are defined by innovation, enterprise, and productivity.
“This institute will not be another structure of blocks and bricks. It will be a factory of ideas, a hub of creativity, and a launchpad for future business leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals.”
Ugochinyere urged his colleagues and the Federal Government to support the initiative, stressing that countries that dominate the global economy from Germany to Japan achieved industrial transformation through similar investments in vocational and technical education.
He added that the proposed institute would mark a turning point for the South East, helping to rebuild the region’s socio-economic foundation and provide hope for a generation eager for opportunities.
