The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has formally opposed a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Borno State, citing the need to prioritize existing institutions rather than creating new ones.

Alausa presented his position on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, where he emphasized the federal government's policy on equitable distribution of educational institutions.

"The ministry reaffirms the federal government's policy on citing federal institutions equitably across states," Alausa stated. "This policy ensures that no state hosts more than one federal polytechnic at a time while guaranteeing that every state has at least one such institution."

The minister noted that all states except Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) currently have federal polytechnics. He urged lawmakers to focus on allocating resources to support the successful operation of already established institutions rather than initiating new ones.

Highlighting current financial constraints, Alausa recommended halting plans for the proposed skills college in Borno. He also mentioned that the ministry has streamlined the process for establishing private tertiary institutions and encouraged states and individuals to explore this avenue for contributing to national education development.

In defense of the bill, its sponsor, Usman Balami, argued that the proposed college would play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant skills.

"In our rapidly changing job market, possessing a varied skill set is crucial for success and adaptability," Balami said. "The college will effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates emerge ready to meet workforce demands."

Fuad Laguda, chairman of the committee, noted that if passed, the bill would create opportunities for Nigerians to gain skills across multiple disciplines, including social sciences, arts, humanities, technology, science, entrepreneurship, and vocational education.

The public hearing marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate about educational infrastructure development in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by insecurity and unemployment challenges.