The Nigerian Senate has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the nation’s higher education sector, especially through the establishment of new federal universities aimed at broadening access to quality tertiary education.
This commendation was delivered on Thursday by Senator Murtari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, during a public hearing held on three pivotal bills that seek to reform and expand Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Senator Dandutse highlighted that President Tinubu, now marking his second year in office, has made notable progress in the education sector by signing into law several bills to establish new federal universities. According to him, these legislative strides reflect the administration’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure and human capital development across the country.
The public hearing focused on the following key legislative proposals:
1. A Bill to Upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba (SB.570)
2. A Bill to Establish the Federal College of Education (Special), Karaye, Kano State
3. A Bill to Establish the Federal University of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State
“These three bills are vital to the development of Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape,” Senator Dandutse remarked. “They demonstrate our shared vision to increase access to higher education and elevate the quality of training and research across institutions.”
He explained that upgrading the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, into a full-fledged university of technology would bring its legal and academic framework in line with international standards, thus promoting research, innovation, and workforce readiness. Similarly, the proposed Federal College of Education (Special), Karaye, will focus on training experts in inclusive education to serve learners with special needs. Meanwhile, the Federal University of Education, Gumel, aims to advance teacher education and improve curriculum development nationwide.
Senator Dandutse also reaffirmed the Senate Committee’s commitment to inclusive and participatory legislation that meets the aspirations of Nigerian citizens and addresses the educational needs of diverse communities.
