Godwin Ita Ndem Sponsored A Bill For A Bye Law To Establish The Odukpani Vocational Training Institute And Other Matters
ODUKPANI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
CROSS RIVER STATE
SPONSORED
BY
HON. GODWIN ITA NDEM
COUNCILLOR REPRESENTING ENIONG WARD
ODUKPANI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.
CO-SPONSORS
Rt. HON. BASSEY DUKE
CREEK TOWN WARD II
HON. EKENG NSA EWA
ODUKPANI CENTRAL WARD
HON. ENE ITAM EYO
CREEK TOWN WARD I
HON. ARUK EMMANUEL
EKI WARD
HON. BASSEY EFFIONG BASSEY
ONIM ANKIONG WARD
HON. EMMANUEL OTU
ADIABO/EFUT WARD
HON. EFFIONG EMMANUEL
ODOT WARD
JULY, 2025.
BILL TITLE
Establishment of the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute (OVTI)
RECITAL
In alignment with the constitutional responsibilities outlined in Part IV of the Local Government Law of Cross River State and Part II of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), it is both timely and imperative to establish the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute. The Constitution mandates the Local Government council’s participation in the provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education.
This proposed Odukpani Vocational Training Institute [OVTI) is designed to empower the youth and adults from the Odukpani Local Government and neighboring communities with technical and practical training. This initiative seeks to address the rising rate of unemployment and skills deficiency by offering training in areas such as agriculture, welding, carpentry, electrical installation, tailoring, ICT, sustainable technologies, etc.
The primary objective of the institute is to empower individuals with the ability and skill to be self-sustaining and gainfully employed, thereby assisting in the development of the community economy. The initiative also aims to ensure peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding with other states by ensuring inter-community collaboration and inclusive enrollment practices.
The institute is called for by the gap in accessible vocational education in the region. As tertiary institutions teach theoretical knowledge, vocational training is especially tailored to meet the need for practical skills, which are desperately required in today’s economy. The project is congruent with federal and state government efforts towards technical education and sustainable development.
Stakeholders to be involved are local government officials, traditional leaders, community development groups, Artisanal Departments and ministries such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development. Collaboration with private sector stakeholders and NGOs will also be sought in infrastructure assistance, curriculum preparation, and equipment provision.
The Odukpani Vocational Training Institute will be a catalyst for human capital development, regional integration, strategic security and sustainable peacebuilding. It is hoped that concerned government agencies and development partners will provide support and endorsement to realize this vision.
Mr. Leader, Honourable Colleagues, today I rise as a legislator and as a son of this soil,
bound by duty and rights, compelled by purpose, moved by the countless silent cries from our youth, our families and idle hands in need of duties in a land full of possibilities.
This bill represents a dream born out of the collective desperation of Odukpani communities in search of light, knowledge and skill sets that will offer an expressway to our community transformation. The Odukpani Vocational Training Institute will represent more than an institution, but a deliberate shift, a new covenant with our people, neighbours, friends, skill enthusiasts and knowledge lovers from far and near, to train, equip, and empower them.
For too long, our sons and daughters have drifted to cities in search of skills they should have learned here within Odukpani. Too often, we see people pass and watch Odukpani without input because we have not given then the reasons to stay, do business and invest in our land. Today, we propose to build that institution for all. A place where talent will be harnessed, where commerce will be taught and where dignity will be restored to every honest trade.
The Odukpani people have hands that are ready to learn, creative minds to build dreams and spirits yearning to be free from economic drought. This bill, therefore, carries the burden of that yearning and calls for classrooms and laboratories filled with practical tools, machines, seeds, devices and hope for a brighter future.
Interestingly, the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute will stand as a bridge of peace and security between Odukpani and its neighbouring communities, local governments and even bordering states. Most of our conflicts are mainly boundary-related and economic motivation, which are fuelled by deep poverty unemployment and desperation from idle youths trying to carve a life out of nowhere. It is precisely through training and employment of these youths, regardless of the boundaries, that the institute becomes a common ground, respecting all parties for joint ventures. Under one roof, the Institute will attract sons and daughters of South-South, South-East and other zones of interest for learning, trade and interpersonal relationships. This Institute will build unity to cancel hatred and territorial strife to enable a transformation of conflict zones into corridors of cooperation. This is the silent revolution that this bill will ignite in our hearts and community.
Moreover, Honourable Leader and esteemed Colleagues in this hallowed chamber, we do not want hand to-mouth charity. We want empowerment that can develop fishermen into marine engineers, seamstresses into fashion entrepreneurs, techies into innovators and farmers into smart agriculturists. This is what the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute promises to deliver. Please let’s not forget, we owe ourselves the credit of this institution establishment, to our youth roaming the streets, wasting energetic days, to our brothers who want to weld, code, bake and construct, but simply do not know where to start.
This bill, upon passage, will serve as a seed planted into the fertile soil of Odukpani. A seed that will germinate into a well-established tree providing much-needed shade to generations, bearing the fruits of entrepreneurship, peace and pride.
Therefore, I implore this Honourable Chamber to consider this as a torchlight in the darkness. The impact of this learning ground will create the winds of change that will stoke the embers of self-reliance in every ward of this Local Government. Let us help our people to write their own stories, stories of creativity and productivity, not pity and idleness.
Let this chamber be remembered as the assembly that broke the cycle of poverty with the hammer of vocational education. Let it be said we sowed not only buildings but also a future
Mr. Leader and dear colleagues, I present this bill with utmost humility and hope. Therefore, together may we rise and bring the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute into existence as the new womb of the Gateway Heritage we are known for.
CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND
Unemployment and underemployment are still such heated concerns in Odukpani Local Government Area, particularly among the youths and women. The rising poverty, social unrest, migration, and restiveness among the youths are all results of the lack of available, realistic and affordable skills training. As important as a role formal education plays, the education often tends to be powerless to meet such masses’ short-term economic survival needs.
Odukpani LGA, a strategic gateway in Cross River State, has a huge human and natural resource base. Yet, the absence of an institutionalised vocational training system has been a bottleneck in the possibilities for self- reliance, innovation and productivity. The existence of a government-approved vocational training college in Odukpani would be the turning point to reverse this condition. This is the primary goal of this bill.
OBJECTIVES
The core objectives of the OVTI are to:
Provide functional vocational and technical training for youths, women, and artisans.
Reduce unemployment and idleness by equipping citizens with marketable and sustainable skills.
Foster entrepreneurship and local content development within Odukpani and surrounding LGAS.
Address insecurity and social vices by engaging idle youths through empowerment.
Serve as a platform for inter-community cooperation and peacebuilding through skills exchange.
POLICY ALIGNMENT
This initiative aligns with:
This initiative aligns with Part 11, Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Policy and Local Economic Development (LED) Agenda.
Nigeria’s National Policy on Vocational and Technical Education.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 4 (Quality Education),
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
INSTITUTION LOCATION
The Institute shall be located within Odukpani Bloc
PROJECT SCOPE AND COMPONENTS
The Institute shall comprise:
5 Vocational Training Workshops (ICT, Craft, Agro-processing, etc.)
5 Multipurpose Classrooms.
Administrative and Registry Block
Solar-powered Borehole and Renewable Energy Station
Hostels and Sanitary Facilities (optional phase)
Start-up Tool Kits and Equipment Hubs
Entrepreneurship Development Desk and Business Clinic
Community Resource Centre
Logistics support Systems
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Annual training and certification of 2000+ beneficiaries
Creation of direct and indirect jobs through self-employment
Reduction in crime, cultism and migration.
Stronger inter-LGA and inter-state peace through youth engagement
Replication of sub-centres in other wards across the Odukpani LGA
The rise of cottage enterprise in Odukpani LGA
KEY PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
Odukpani Local Government Council
Cross River State Ministry of Education (Technical & Non-Formal Education Unit)
National Directorate of Employment (NDE)
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
Traditional Rulers Council, Odukpani LGA
Cross River State Artisanal Departments
Schools in Odukpani and Environs
NGOs, International Donor Agencies, CRID (Cross Riverians in Diaspora)
FUNDING SOURCES
Funding Sources:
Local Government Capital Budget
State Government Development Funds
Legislative Constituency Projects
TETFund/NBTE Grants.
Private Sector CSR and Diaspora Support
National/International Donors
CONTACT
Office of the Deputy Leader of Council
Odukpani Legislative Chambers
SECTION
PART I – PRELIMINARY
Title
This Law may be cited as the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute (Establishment) Law, 2025.
Commencement
This Law shall come into force on the date it is signed by the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Council.
Interpretation
In this Law, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Council” means the Odukpani Local Government Council.
“Chairman” means the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area.
“Institute” means the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute established under this Law.
“Board” means the Governing Board of the Institute.
“Technical education” includes training in agriculture, craft, ICT, construction, welding, tailoring, cosmetology, renewable energy, and other relevant vocational skills.
PART II – ESTABLISHMENT AND OBJECTIVES
Establishment of the Institute
There is hereby established a vocational and technical training institution to be known as the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute [ETI] (hereinafter referred to as “the Institute”).
The Institute shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue or be sued in its corporate name.
Objectives of the Institute
The objectives of the Institute shall be to:
Provide functional and market-driven vocational education and skills training to youths and adults in Odukpani and surrounding areas.
Empower participants with practical competencies to create jobs and reduce unemployment.
Offer certification and entrepreneurial development training in various trades.
Promote innovation, technical excellence and sustainable livelihood strategies.
Collaborate with local, national, international agencies, corporations, organisations and non- governmental organisations for supports and sponsorship to improve vocational education and skill development.
PART III – CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Establishment of the Governing Board
There shall be a Governing Board for the Institute (referred to in this Law as “the Board”).
The Board shall consist of the following:
A Chairman, appointed by the Executive Chairman of the Council.
One representative from the Ministry of Education (Technical Division).
One representative from the local private sector/employers’ association.
One representative from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
Two community representatives from Odukpani.
The Institute’s Director (Secretary to the Board, non-voting).
Functions of the Board
The Board shall be responsible for:
Formulating general policies for the operation of the Institute.
Approving annual budgets, academic programs, and staff appointments.
Ensuring the Institute’s adherence to national vocational education standards.
Mobilizing partnerships, grants and support for the growth of the Institute.
PART IV – MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE
Appointment of the Director
There shall be a Rector who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute.
The Rector shall be appointed by the Council upon recommendation of the Board, and shall:
Be responsible for day-to-day administration and management.
Implement the policies and programs approved by the Board.
Coordinate staff recruitment, training, and discipline.
Other Staff of the Institute
The Institute shall employ such academic, technical, and administrative staff as may be necessary for the effective discharge of its functions, subject to approval by the Board and budgetary provisions.
PART V-FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Funds of the Institute
The funds of the Institute shall consist of:
Grants from the Council and State Government.
Donations, endowments and subventions from public or private entities.
Income from services rendered, including training and consultancy.
Any other lawful source approved by the Board.
Annual Estimates and Accounts
The Institute shall prepare and submit to the Board an annual estimate of revenue and expenditure.
The accounts of the Institute shall be audited annually by an independent auditor appointed by the Board and presented to the Council.
PART VI-MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Legal Protection and Liabilities
No action shall lie against any member of the Board or staff of the Institute for any act done in good faith in pursuance of the provisions of this Law.
Regulations
The Board may make regulations generally for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Law, including rules relating to:
Admission criteria and training curriculum.
Fees, scholarships and training duration.
Disciplinary measures for staff and students.
Transitional Arrangements
Pending the full establishment and staffing of the Institute, the Council may assign an interim management team to oversee preparatory activities and liaise with development partners.
SCHEDULE
Initial Vocational Programs to be Offered:
ICT and Digital Skills
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Fashion and Textile Design
Carpentry and Furniture Making
Welding and Metal Fabrication
Renewable Energy and Solar Installation
Beauty and Cosmetology
Auto Mechanics and Electricals
Catering, Confectionery and Hospitality
General Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
This Law seeks to establish the Odukpani Vocational Training Institute in Odukpani Local Government Area, to provide accessible, functional and inclusive technical education and skills development. It aims to create jobs, nurture economic independence and promote human capacity development in line with the grassroots development agenda.
Passed by Odukpani Legislative Assembly this _______ day of ____________________, 2025.
Signed;
……………………….
Mrs. Victoria Aqua
Clerk of the House
Assent;
………………………
Hon. Etim Asido Ukpong
Chairman
Odukpani Local Government Area
MADE AT ODUKPANI THIS __________ DAY OF _________________________, 2025.
