Bauchi State Assembly begins debate on amendment of Oil and Gas Academy Alkaleri Law
By Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced legislative consideration of a bill seeking to amend the establishment law of the Oil and Gas Academy Alkaleri, with a view to strengthening the institution’s legal and administrative framework and enhancing its role in technical education and skills development.
The bill was presented for debate by the Majority Leader of the House and member representing Shira Constituency, Hon. Auwal Hassan, who called on lawmakers to support efforts aimed at improving specialised training, professional development and youth empowerment in Bauchi State.
Leading the debate, Hon. Auwal Hassan said the proposed amendment was an important step towards strengthening the institutional framework of the academy and promoting sustainable economic growth through specialised education and technical training in the oil and gas sector.
He noted that the oil and gas industry required skilled technicians, qualified professionals, innovative researchers and competent personnel to support its operations, stressing the need for Bauchi State to develop a workforce capable of taking advantage of opportunities in oil and gas exploration and related industrial activities.
The Majority Leader explained that the academy was established under the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy Law of 2022 to provide specialised education, technical training, research and skills development for the oil and gas industry in Bauchi State and beyond.
He added that the institution had introduced professional training and vocational skills programmes as part of its mandate to develop skilled manpower and improve employment opportunities for young people.
Hon. Auwal Hassan further highlighted the academy’s expected contributions to technical education, vocational development, technological innovation, human capital development, occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and youth empowerment.
He maintained that a well structured and effectively managed academy would help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industrial requirements, while preparing young people for emerging employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s participation in the oil and gas value chain.
The lawmaker urged his colleagues to give the proposed amendment the necessary legislative consideration and support its passage through the appropriate stages of the lawmaking process.
He said the amendment, if properly implemented, could enhance the academy’s capacity to contribute to educational advancement, industrial growth and the overall economic development of Bauchi State.
