Senate Hails Tinubu’s Education Reforms, Backs 3 New Varsity Bills

The Senate has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in expanding access to higher education through the establishment of new federal universities across the country.

The commendation was made by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund during a public hearing yesterday in Abuja.

The event focused on three critical bills proposing the establishment and amendment of several federal tertiary institutions.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Muntari Dandutse, praised the president’s commitment to educational development, noting that the creation of new universities aligns with the administration’s vision as it marks two years in office.

“I want to sincerely appreciate the President for his efforts in advancing the educational sector in this country,” he said.

The three bills under consideration are: A bill to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State, the Federal College of Education (Special), Karaye, Kano State (Establishment) Bill and the Federal University of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill.

Senator Dandutse described the proposed legislations as crucial to the transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.

He said the bills reflect a collective desire to expand access to quality education and enhance academic training nationwide.

He explained that the Federal University of Technology Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to revise existing laws to reflect global best practices, thereby strengthening the capacity of universities of technology to meet their core mandates in research, innovation, and manpower development.

“The Federal College of Education (Special), Karaye bill aims to establish a specialized institution focused on inclusive education, particularly in training professionals to support individuals with special needs.

“The Federal University of Education, Gumel bill proposes the establishment of a university dedicated to improving teacher education and advancing pedagogy and curriculum development.”

Dandutse emphasised the Senate’s commitment to evidence-based and citizen-focused legislative interventions to meet national development goals.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio—represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau—highlighted the Senate’s dedication to transparent and inclusive governance, especially in shaping the future of education.

“Education plays a pivotal role in national development and in equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge required to compete globally,” Akpabio stated.

“The bills before us are critical to strengthening our tertiary education system and tackling the challenges currently facing it.”

He reaffirmed the Senate’s resolve to promote quality education, ensure global standards, and foster collaboration with stakeholders to realise these goals.

The bill proposing the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC–Delta).

He noted that the initiative responds to the urgent national need to expand access to technology-focused education and address regional disparities in the distribution of federal universities.

“Despite the South-South’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s economy—especially in oil, gas, and manufacturing—it currently lacks a Federal University of Technology,” Nwoko said.

He added that transforming the Asaba college into a full-fledged university would help meet Nigeria’s 21st-century developmental needs by building on the institution’s strong technical foundations.