Senate advances bill to establish more tertiary institutions

The Nigerian Senate has made significant progress in its push to expand educational opportunities, passing the second reading of a bill proposing the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Igbekebo, Ondo State.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South, was first introduced on October 12. It aims to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system by creating an institution focused on training professional educators. The proposed college will offer various programs, including certificates, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, ensuring inclusivity regardless of background or beliefs.

During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to review the bill and submit their report within six weeks.

This development comes shortly after the Senate passed other education-related bills, including one to establish a Federal University of Mining in Jos, Plateau State, and another to create a Federal University of Science and Technology in Bayelsa State.

Additionally, the Senate is deliberating on multiple proposals for new higher institutions nationwide, including:

1. Federal University of Agriculture, Akure (Ondo State)

2. Federal University of Sports, Afuze (Edo State)

3. Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano

4. Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Onitsha (Anambra State)

5. Federal University of Agriculture, Awka North (Anambra State)

6. Federal Varsity of Livestock and Agric-Tech, Taraba State, among others.

These developments are poised to significantly enhance the country’s educational and economic landscape.