Reps okay bill for new College of Education in Imo community for second reading

The House of Representatives has approved for second reading a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Umuobom, Imo State.

The proposed legislation, which is sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/ Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, is seeking the upgrade of the Imo State College of Education, Umuobom, into a federal institution.

The proposed legislation titled ” a Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Education, Umuobom, Imo State, and for Related Matters,” provides a legal framework for the institution’s establishment as a federal college of education, with provisions for its administration, academic programmes, infrastructure, research, and staffing.

Ugochinyere, while leading debate on the general principles of the bill, said the proposed legislation, if passed into law would strengthen the institution’s capacity to advance learning.

According to him, the upgrade of the institution would also help to improve teacher training, and contribute to the development of the education sector through academic and research programmes.

He stated that the upgrade is also expected to strengthen the capacity of the institution to produce qualified teachers who can contribute to improving educational standards across Imo State and Nigeria at large.

The proposed legislation if eventually passed would expand access to tertiary education in the Federal Constituency, as well as create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities.