3 More Federal Varsities Will Boost Education – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok, Kaduna State, the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro Ogun State, will boost education in the country.

Akpabio said establishing tertiary institutions in Nigeria is very important, pledging that the National Assembly will prioritise it.

He stated this Tuesday during the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND.

The public hearing is for the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 224); Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences Repeal and Enactment) bill, 2024 (SB12); Federal College of Aviation Technology Ilara Remo, Ogun State (Establishment bill) 2024 (SB 52); Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok Kaduna State, (Establishment) Bill, 2024, (2024 (SB 13) and Federal University of Technology Ilaro Ogun State (Establishment) bill, 2024 (SB 345).

Represented by Senator Gbenga Daniel, Akpabio said it is important to establish more tertiary institutions for the country to move forward.

“The establishment of these institutions will help in improving education in the country and bridge the gap in education and manpower in education,“ Akpabio said, adding that the Senate, through the committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, will consider the memorandum that will serve as the basis for the passage of the bills.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (Katsina South), said all presentations should be sent to the panel, adding that all the bills would be treated fairly and that every constituency would be treated fairly.

The sponsor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok, Kaduna State, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung said the proposed university will be the first federal presence in his constituency.

Katung said many people are forced to seek tertiary education outside the state, adding that the university will provide special and postgraduate training, stimulate the local economy and help advance learning.