The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok, Kaduna State; Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, will boost education in the country.
According to Akpabio, the establishment of tertiary institutions across the country was very important, adding that the National Assembly will give the matter the needed priority.
Akpabio stated this Tuesday during the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund on the three Bills seeking the establishment of the proposed institutions and others.
The public hearing was to get public inputs on 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, the Senate President Akpabio said it was important to establish tertiary institutions if the country must continue 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 its Standing Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund will consider the memoranda that will serve as the basis for the passage of the Bills into law.
However, the chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South), said all the presentations should be sent to the committee, adding that all people won’t speak because of the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Ekene Adams (LP, Chikun/Kajuru), from Kaduna State.
Dandutse said all the Bills will be treated and ensure that every constituency is fairly treated.
Speaking at the public hearing, the sponsor of the Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok Kaduna State, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents Kaduna South in the Senate, said the establishment of the university will be the first federal presence in his constituency.
Katung said many people were forced to seek tertiary education outside the state, adding that the university will provide special training, postgraduate training, stimulate the local economy and help in the advancement of learning in the area.
