Morganable politics/Governance
The lawmaker explained that the council’s responsibilities required adequate financial resources, adding that reliance on government funding alone could undermine its capacity to implement programmes and enforce professional standards
KANO —
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has urged the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) to strengthen partnerships with private-sector organisations and public institutions to improve its operations and reduce dependence on government funding.
The Chairman of the committee, Fuad Laguda, made the call on Wednesday during an oversight visit to the council’s headquarters in Abuja, where he expressed concern over the financial challenges facing the regulatory body.
Laguda said the council must explore sustainable funding opportunities to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities, particularly in regulating professional practices and promoting standards in Nigeria’s growing information and communications technology sector.
He urged the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the council, Adebayo Adegbiji, to develop stronger relationships with relevant organisations and identify legitimate alternative revenue sources to complement government allocations.
“You have to go into more synergy and private partnerships. Depending solely on government funding will not be enough,” Laguda said.
The lawmaker explained that the council’s responsibilities required adequate financial resources, adding that reliance on government funding alone could undermine its capacity to implement programmes and enforce professional standards.
He stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing operational challenges and ensuring that the council remained effective in carrying out its regulatory mandate.
The committee acknowledged efforts by Adegbiji, who assumed office in December 2025, to reposition the council, strengthen its institutional visibility and promote internationally recognised information technology standards.
It also commended initiatives aimed at tackling quackery in the ICT profession, describing effective professional regulation as essential to maintaining standards in the sector.
However, Laguda maintained that the council needed a comprehensive funding strategy capable of supporting its expanding responsibilities and ensuring the sustainability of its programmes.
Earlier, Adegbiji informed the lawmakers that the council had experienced significant financial difficulties following a previous government policy that excluded regulatory councils from agencies eligible for federal funding.
According to him, the decision affected the council’s ability to effectively carry out its statutory functions and implement programmes designed to strengthen professional regulation.
He explained that the situation improved after funding was restored through the 2026 Appropriation Act under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Adegbiji said the restoration had enhanced the council’s operational capacity and strengthened its engagement with government agencies and other relevant institutions.
“Our feasibility index has increased, and our engagement with various government agencies has also increased and improved,” he said.
The registrar disclosed that the council had established working relationships with several government institutions to improve technology-related activities and strengthen professional standards across the public sector.
He identified the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Bureau of Public Procurement, Nigerian Communications Commission and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria as some of the institutions collaborating with the council.
Others include the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, National Board for Technical Education, Office of the National Security Adviser and National Information Technology Development Agency.
Adegbiji explained that the engagements had expanded the council’s involvement in technology-related programmes and increased opportunities for collaboration on digital initiatives within government institutions.
He maintained that stronger institutional relationships would help the council promote professionalism, improve regulatory compliance and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s ICT workforce.
During the oversight exercise, the committee directed the council to submit comprehensive financial records covering its internally generated revenue, insurance arrangements and other major expenditures.
The lawmakers said the documents should be forwarded to the committee’s secretariat for examination as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and ensure effective management of public resources.
Laguda assured the management of the council that the committee would continue to monitor its operations and provide legislative support where necessary to enhance its performance.
“We will always carry out oversight functions on you from time to time,” he said.
The committee chairman emphasised that regular legislative oversight remained important in assessing the activities of government institutions and identifying areas requiring intervention.
Adegbiji also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for approving the development of 10 additional National Occupational Standards for information and communications technology under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
He said the initiative would expand opportunities for Nigerians to acquire relevant ICT skills and strengthen the development of technical competencies required in the digital economy.
The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria is responsible for regulating the training and practice of computer professionals, setting professional standards and ensuring compliance with registration requirements.
Its responsibilities also include promoting professionalism and addressing the activities of unqualified individuals operating within the ICT sector.
The committee’s intervention comes amid increasing demand for digital skills, stronger professional regulation and improved technological capacity across public institutions and private businesses.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve legislation seeking to repeal the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act and establish the National School of Government.
The request was contained in a letter transmitting the National School of Government Bill 2026 to the upper legislative chamber for consideration.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read the letter during Wednesday’s plenary.
Tinubu explained that the proposed institution would strengthen leadership development, policy delivery and executive capacity building among public officials.
“Pursuant to Section 58 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I forward herewith the National School of Government Bill 2026 for the kind consideration of the Senate,” the President stated.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act, A-4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and establish a new institutional framework for public-sector leadership training.
If approved, the National School of Government would serve as a centre for developing leadership competencies and improving the capacity of government officials to translate public policies into effective implementation.
Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, stressing the importance of strengthening institutional capacity for effective governance and public service delivery.
