Reps give education minister final deadline over TVET probe

The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education has issued a final summons to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, over his repeated failure to appear before lawmakers investigating the implementation of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.

The committee directed the Federal Ministry of Education to submit all documents relating to the programme by August 18, 2026, while ordering the minister to personally appear before it on September 17 or risk further legislative action.

The directive followed an investigative hearing at the National Assembly on Thursday, where lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as the ministry’s continued refusal to cooperate with the probe despite several invitations.

Committee Chairman, Kayode Laguda, said the panel had written to the ministry multiple times since January 30, 2025, requesting information on the implementation of the TVET initiative, but had yet to receive the required documents or the minister’s appearance.

He noted that the latest invitation, dated July 30, 2026, was also ignored, with neither the minister nor any representative attending the hearing.

Laguda described the development as disappointing, stressing that the committee had previously maintained a cordial working relationship with the ministry.

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 as part of its oversight responsibilities.

The minister’s absence drew sharp criticism from members of the committee.

Lawmaker Rabiu Yusuf accused Alausa of showing “a high level of disrespect” to the National Assembly and proposed a vote of no confidence against him.

Another member, Bayo Adepoju, described the minister’s conduct as “a direct affront to parliament,” insisting that Nigerians deserved accountability on the implementation of the TVET programme.

However, some lawmakers urged restraint.

Paul Kalejaiye appealed to the committee to give the minister one final opportunity to appear before taking punitive measures, a position later supported by Adepoju.

Laguda agreed with the recommendation, saying he did not believe the minister deliberately ignored the invitations but stressed that such an occurrence must not happen again.

Following deliberations, the committee resolved that the ministry must submit all requested records covering the implementation of the TVET programme from inception to date on or before August 18.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned until September 17, when the minister is expected to personally appear before lawmakers to explain the programme’s implementation, funding and outcomes.

The TVET initiative is one of the Federal Government’s flagship programmes aimed at equipping young Nigerians with technical and vocational skills, boosting employment opportunities and addressing the country’s skills deficit. The House probe seeks to assess the programme’s execution and ensure accountability in its implementation.