The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently provide adequate, modern, and functional laboratory and workshop equipment in all Federal Universities of Technology, Federal Polytechnics, and related tertiary institutions across the country on Thursday, November 12, 2026 as they push to revitalize technical and vocational education.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Kallamu Usman Maijama’a, highlighting the critical role that practical education, scientific innovation, and technical proficiency play in driving Nigeria’s national economic growth and industrialization.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the current state of technical education in the country, noting that many federal institutions are plagued by inadequate, obsolete, damaged, and non-functional laboratory equipment and workshop facilities.
According to the House, students studying Engineering, Science, Technology, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, and other specialized technical disciplines are frequently forced to rely on outdated machines and insufficient tools. This heavy reliance on theory over hands-on practical experience severely limits their professional preparedness, technical competence, and competitiveness in the modern labor market.
The motion further highlighted that lecturers, technologists, and laboratory instructors are severely hampered in delivering effective practical training due to a widespread shortage of appropriate equipment, essential consumables, regular maintenance services, and proper safety facilities.
To tackle these challenges head-on, the House resolved to take a multi-pronged legislative and oversight approach:
- Urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside relevant agencies, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of laboratory and workshop facilities across all Federal Universities of Technology and Polytechnics, while ensuring the provision of adequate technical manpower.
- Strongly urged the Federal Ministry of Education to explicitly incorporate the procurement, installation, and replacement of modern laboratory equipment, workshop machines, and instructional tools into the upcoming 2027 budget estimates.
- Mandated the House Committees on University Education, Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, and Science and Technology to interface directly with relevant ministries and agencies to assess the current state of laboratories and workshops, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Emphasizing the broader economic implications, the House noted that equipping tertiary institutions properly will stimulate cutting-edge research, invention, product development, and technology transfer. Furthermore, it will strengthen vital collaborations between academia and industries, paving the way for sustainable entrepreneurship, job creation, and technological self-reliance in Nigeria.
