The Senate, on Tuesday, passed a bill to repeal and re-enact the National Commission for Colleges of Education Act of 1989.
Also passed was a bill to establish the Federal Polytechnic Orozo.
The bills were passed following the consideration of two separate reports by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund.
Senator Nora Ladi Daddut, in a presentation on behalf of the Committee Chairman, Ahmad Babba Kaita, said the National Commission for Colleges of Education bill, among others, seeks to empower the commission to attract highly qualified personnel from the Federal Colleges of Education.
She added that the bill also seeks to make 65 years the official retirement age from service, as well as provide the commission with the powers to appoint, second or transfer an employee of other colleges or appoint new officer to deputize the Executive Secretary of the Commission.
She explained further that when passed and assented into law, the Commission would be empowered to determine the tenure and remunerations of the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission in consultation with the Minister of Education and/or any other Minister responsible.
On the bill to establish the Federal Polytechnic Orozo, Senator Daduut said the institution when established, would develop and offer full-time academic and professional programmes in Technology, Applied Sciences, Management and Administration, leading to the award of Higher National Diploma, Ordinary National Diploma and other certifications.
HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTITIONERS BOARD
The Senate also passed a bill seeking to establish the Health Education Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria.
The passage of the bill on Tuesday during plenary, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Health (Tertiary and Secondary).
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe (Kwara Central), in his presentation, said upon establishment, the Board would determine the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the profession of Health Education.
He added that it would also establish and maintain a register of persons registered under the bill as members of the profession, and conduct examinations leading to the award of certificates or diplomas as may be prescribed by the Board.
He explained further that the passage of the bill into law would ensure that the practice of Health Education in Nigeria is regulated. According to the lawmaker, the Board would facilitate advanced Healthcare delivery in the country through research, innovation, training and development of the health sector.
