By Paul Joseph
The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education has issued a final ultimatum to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to appear before it over the implementation of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
The committee also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to submit all documents and records relating to the implementation of the TVET initiative to its secretariat on or before August 18, 2026.
The resolutions were reached on Thursday during an investigative hearing at the National Assembly after the minister again failed to honour the committee’s invitation or send a representative.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kayode Laguda, said lawmakers had written several letters to the ministry since January 30, 2025, requesting information on the TVET programme, with the latest invitation dated July 30, 2026.
According to him, despite the repeated requests, the minister neither appeared before the committee nor delegated any official to represent the ministry.
Laguda described the minister’s absence as disappointing, noting that the committee had previously enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the Ministry of Education.
He reminded the ministry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to investigate the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies as part of its oversight responsibilities.
The minister’s continued absence drew criticism from members of the committee, with some lawmakers accusing him of showing disrespect to the legislature.
Hon. Rabiu Yusuf condemned the ministry’s failure to acknowledge the committee’s correspondence or provide the requested information, describing the conduct as a “high level of disrespect” to the National Assembly.
He consequently moved a motion for a vote of no confidence against the minister.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Bayo Adepoju, described Alausa’s repeated failure to appear before the committee as a direct affront to parliament, insisting that no public official is above legislative oversight.
Adepoju noted that despite six separate letters sent to the ministry, the committee had yet to receive the information it requested on the implementation of the TVET programme.
However, some members urged restraint, recommending that the minister be given one final opportunity to comply before any punitive action is taken.
Hon. Paul Kalejaiye appealed to his colleagues to issue a fresh ultimatum and fix another date for the minister’s appearance rather than immediately adopting a vote of no confidence.
Adepoju supported the proposal, saying the committee should formally register its displeasure while allowing the ministry one final chance to respond.
Laguda also backed the recommendation, stating that based on his previous interactions with Alausa, he did not believe the minister deliberately ignored the committee’s invitations.
Following deliberations, the committee directed the Ministry of Education to submit comprehensive records on the implementation of the TVET programme from its inception to date by August 18.
Lawmakers subsequently adjourned the investigative hearing until September 17, 2026, when the minister is expected to personally appear before the committee.
The TVET programme is one of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at expanding technical and vocational education, equipping young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills and addressing unemployment and the country’s skills gap.
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