A bill for national apprenticeship scheme has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

The bill was read on Wednesday at plenary.

Sponsored by the deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the bill aims at giving a legal framework for the institutionalization of the apprenticeship scheme.

National Apprenticeship Scheme is a technology driven dual apprenticeship model designed to blend theoretical education with hands-on practical training.

It will be recalled that Kalu had during a courtesy call on him by Bildup Integrated Services (Bildup Africa) led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chibuike Aguene last month mulled the enactment of a law to formalize the scheme.

“At the 10^thHouse of Representatives, we anchor our legislative activities on the core principle of participatory governance. We are laser-focused on delivering a regulatory environment that only supports entrepreneurship development but also encourages commerce and facilitates the growth of the economy.

“It is in this vein that I acknowledged the calls for supporting legislation that institutionalizes the newly designed National Apprenticeship Scheme.

“Our legislative process is open to constructive dialogue, and we welcome your insights and recommendations. Together, let us work towards a bill that bridges the huge skills gap replete across the country while being the igniting point for an industrial revolution that Nigeria so dearly needs”, Kalu had said.

While commending a piece of technological initiative by the Bildup Integrated Services to encourage the apprenticeship system and boost skills acquisition, Kalu also pledged to sponsor 3000 youth across the federation in the first phase of the apprenticeship system to be championed by the Services in various areas of skills acquisition

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu listed other bills he sponsored that were also mentioned at the plenary on Tuesday, includes National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill; National Ear Centre Bill, 2023; National Securities Agencies Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill and National War College Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023. (Vanguard)