The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently intervene in the deteriorating condition of Community Technical College, Ikot Akata, in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance presented during plenary by the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita.
Presenting the motion before the House, Hon. Imoh-Ita raised concerns over what he described as the deplorable state of the institution, noting that the college remains the only technical training facility serving the Mkpat Enin State Constituency.
He explained that technical colleges were established to promote skill-based education and equip young people with practical knowledge required in trades such as mechanical work, electrical installation, building construction and computer technology.
According to the lawmaker, the current condition of Community Technical College, Ikot Akata, undermines the objectives of technical and vocational education as enshrined in Nigeria’s National Policy on Education.
Hon. Imoh-Ita informed the House that the institution is presently characterised by dilapidated infrastructure, collapsing and in some cases roofless classroom buildings, as well as workshops that are either poorly equipped or completely lacking essential tools and equipment.
He further noted that inadequate funding for maintenance and learning materials, shortage of qualified technical instructors, and poor security around the school premises have significantly weakened the institution’s capacity to deliver quality technical education.
The lawmaker warned that continued neglect of the college could worsen youth development and widen the skills gap among young people in Mkpat Enin and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.
Following deliberations, the House urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to undertake the immediate rehabilitation and renovation of the dilapidated structures within the institution.
The Assembly also called on relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to provide modern workshop equipment and instructional materials to support effective technical training.
Lawmakers further recommended improved funding for the college, recruitment and deployment of qualified technical instructors, as well as adequate security measures to safeguard the school’s facilities and equipment.
Hon. Imoh-Ita stressed that revitalising the institution would not only benefit Mkpat Enin but would also contribute significantly to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and economic development in the state.
In its resolution, the House adopted all the prayers presented by the lawmaker.
In his response , the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, consequently directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to communicate the resolution on the poor state of Community Technical College, Ikot Akata, to the Governor.
This Reporter can recalled that, the technical college, established during the old Cross River State era, had remained a premier skills development institution that produced a significant percentage of the manpower in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as well as professionals occupying top engineering positions in industries within and outside the country.
Its graduates, he also noted, are still highly sought after, particularly at a time when institutions offering practical technical training are increasingly scarce across the state.
