By Oluwakemi Kindness
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 lawmakers over the implementation of the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
The committee directed the minister to appear in person on September 17, 2026, while ordering the Federal Ministry of Education to submit all documents relating to the programme by August 18.
The decision followed an investigative hearing on Thursday, where lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over the minister’s repeated failure to honour invitational or send a representative despite several requests dating back to January 30, 2025.
Committee Chairman, Rep. Fuad Kayode-Laguda, said the panel had consistently sought information on the implementation of the TVET initiative but had yet to receive the required cooperation from the ministry.
“We have written several correspondences starting from January 30, 2025, seeking information on the activities of Technical Vocational Education Training being implemented by the government,” Laguda said.
The minister’s absence drew sharp criticism from members of the committee, with some lawmakers describing it as a sign of disrespect to the National Assembly.
Rep. Rabiu Yusuf accused the minister of showing “a high level of disrespect” and proposed a vote of no confidence, while Rep. Bayo Adepoju described the repeated absence as “a direct affront to Parliament.”
However, the committee opted for restraint after Laguda urged members to allow the minister one final opportunity to explain himself.
“I don’t see him as someone who would deliberately do this. Maybe there are reasons for it, but whatever is responsible, this definitely should not happen again,” the chairman said.
The committee also ordered the ministry to submit all previously requested records on the TVET programme from its inception to date to enable lawmakers scrutinise its implementation and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Lawmakers warned that failure by the minister to honour the September 17 invitation could trigger further legislative action.
