Bill to create two federal universities passes second reading

The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives have taken new steps to expand the country’s higher education sector by considering the creation of two new federal universities.

In the Senate, lawmakers passed for second reading a bill that seeks to convert the Kogi State College of Education in Ankpa into the Federal University of Education, Ankpa.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah from Kogi East, proposes turning the existing college into a full-fledged federal university focused on training teachers, improving manpower, and promoting modern teaching methods.

According to Isah, the college already runs degree programmes through affiliations with six universities, making it ready for an upgrade.

He noted that turning the institution into a university would help meet the growing demand for qualified educators and reduce the pressure on existing universities.

On the same day, the House of Representatives passed for second reading a bill to establish the Federal University of Oil and Gas Technology in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Donald Ojogo, seeks to build a specialised institution that will train professionals, technicians, and craftsmen for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Meanwhile, the Senate held a public hearing in Abuja on Monday to review six bills seeking the creation or amendment of federal universities across the country.

The session was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund and chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse.

The bills under consideration include proposals to establish the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi; Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo State; Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba; and to amend the law establishing the Federal University of Technology, Omoku.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, said Nigeria must expand access to quality education that prepares young people for the modern world.

He noted that the country’s growing population makes it necessary to invest more in human development through specialised learning.

Akpabio also pointed out that some of the new institutions would support students with disabilities and provide training in fields like technology, education, health, and vocational skills, all of which are needed for job creation and economic growth.