The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the significance of establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Manchok, Kaduna State, the Federal University in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and the Federal University of Technology in Ilaro, Ogun State, as major contributors to the enhancement of education in the country.
Akpabio highlighted the pivotal role of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and assured that the national assembly is committed to prioritizing their establishment.
These remarks were made by Akpabio during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND.
The public hearing aimed to discuss the following bills: the Federal University in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 224); the Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences Repeal and Enactment bill, 2024 (SB12); the Federal College of Aviation Technology in Ilara Remo, Ogun State Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 52); the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Manchok, Kaduna State, Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 13); and the Federal University of Technology in Ilaro, Ogun State, Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 345).
Representing the Senate president, Sen Gbenga Daniel emphasized the importance of establishing tertiary institutions to propel the nation forward.
“The establishment of these institutions will greatly enhance education in the country and bridge the gap in education and manpower,” stated Akpabio. He further assured that the Senate, through the committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, will carefully consider the memorandum that will form the basis for the passage of the bills.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (Katsina South), requested all presentations to be sent to the committees and acknowledged that not everyone would be able to speak due to the recent loss of a member of the House of Representatives, Ekene Adams (Chikun Kajuru). Mohammed assured that all the bills would be treated fairly, ensuring the equitable treatment of every constituency.
During the public hearing, Sen Sunday Marshall Katung, the sponsor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Manchok, Kaduna State, expressed his excitement for the establishment of the university, as it would mark the first federal presence in his constituency.
Katung highlighted the need for accessible tertiary education within the state and emphasized that the university would provide specialized training, postgraduate programs, stimulate the local economy, and foster advancements in learning.
