President Bola Tinubu has approved a bill seeking to convert the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro into a full university.
The institution, now named the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), becomes the first federal university in Ogun West, Ogun State.
The bill was signed into law after it had passed its third reading in October 2024.
The announcement came from the Senate President, who praised the decision and acknowledged the efforts of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, who pushed for the upgrade.
The move ends years of attempts to change the status of the institution. Senator Adeola began working on this goal as far back as 2016 when he introduced the bill during the 8th National Assembly.
Though the Senate approved it at the time, it was not passed by the House of Representatives.
The proposal came up again in the 9th Senate and made it through both chambers, but did not get the approval of then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Now, under the 10th Assembly, and with President Tinubu’s support, the change has finally taken effect.
The new university is expected to improve access to higher education for students in Ogun West and boost development in the region.
Senator Adeola had argued that the polytechnic already had better facilities and staff than some newer universities in the country.
He also believed the school’s location in an industrial zone makes it a good fit for a university of technology.
The change is also seen as part of Tinubu’s broader plans for improving education.
He has introduced policies such as student loans, increased funding for schools, and better infrastructure.
The creation of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro is expected to attract more students, support local industries, and open up new opportunities for growth in Ogun West.
There exists a federal university in Ogun State. University of Agriculture Abeokuta (UNAAB) has been a federal university in the state.