The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies in Umuobom, Ideato Federal Constituency, Imo State.

Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North and South, the bill proposes a federal institution dedicated to harnessing innovative talent, advancing entrepreneurship, and developing vocational skills aligned with modern business and technology demands in the South East.

In leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Ugochinyere argued that the South East, known for its rich culture of innovation and enterprise, requires a formal institutional platform to incubate and refine these talents for sustainable economic development.

“This Institute will provide a foundation for sustainable development, skill transfer, enterprise incubation, and youth productivity in the South East and beyond,” Ugochinyere told the House.

He noted that the legislation aims to tackle the country’s persistent challenges of youth unemployment, economic inequality, and insecurity—by creating opportunities for skill acquisition, job creation, and self-reliance.

According to the lawmaker, the proposed Institute will operate under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Commission for Colleges of Education.

The bill outlines detailed governance and operational frameworks across its 21 clauses. These include the establishment of a Governing Council, the appointment of key officers such as the Rector and Registrar, the conduct of vocational and entrepreneurship programmes, as well as provisions for accountability through audits and annual reporting.

Culled Guardian