The committee which made the demand on Thursday following the failure of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to appear at the investigative hearing over the TVET, insisted that all submissions be done on or before August 18.

The lawmakers gave the minister a final opportunity to personally appear before September 17, warning that his continued failure to honour its invitations could attract further legislative action.

The Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that the minister’s continued absence was a disregard to the authority of the legislature and its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

He said the committee had considered a proposal to pass a vote of no confidence on the minister over his repeated failure to honour its invitations.

The lawmakers, however, said that following interventions by some members, the committee resolved to give Alausa a final opportunity to appear.

“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.

“The last invitation was on July 30, but the minister was not here, and no representative was sent to the committee,” Laguda said.

The chairman noted that the committee had maintained a cordial working relationship with the ministry and described the latest development as unexpected and unacceptable.

He reminded the ministry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the National Assembly to investigate the activities of ministries, departments and agencies as part of its legislative and oversight responsibilities. (NAN)