A bill proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has been approved by the Senate.
The aim of the university, the lawmakers said, was to produce world class technologists and human resources capable of sustainably managing the country’s economy.
The bill was unanimously ratified at the plenary on Thursday and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for further legislation and considerations.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and received overwhelming support from senators across all political parties.
The bill was first initiated in the 9th National Assembly and was brought back for consideration at the Senate Chambers on October 17, 2023, with a specific focus on bridging knowledge gaps in technology and environmental sciences.
Bamidele elaborated on the importance of the bill during his discussion on Thursday, emphasizing that its enactment would foster the growth of exceptional technologists and the necessary human resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Additionally, the lawmaker clarified that the objective of the bill was to enhance accessibility to higher education, considering the significant number of qualified individuals who face annual challenges in securing admission into universities in the country.
“The objectives of the university are, first and foremost, to set up an ultra-modern institution that will develop world-class technologists, as well as human resources that can sustainably manage our nation’s economy by providing technical and management expertise at the highest level.
“The university, when established, will further advance knowledge through research and nurture unique technological innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth management in its core area of interest.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the enactment of this bill will help in transforming the technological and educational fortune in producing the desired manpower and expertise that Nigeria is yearning for to exponentially speed up our economic growth and ensure sustainable development,” the Senate Leader submitted.
Among others, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin; Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Chairman, of the Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel; Chairman, of Senate Committee on the Environment, Senator Seriake Dickson; Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Abdul Ningi and Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Victor Umeh, threw their weight behind the bill on Thursday.
Lawan, also former President of the Senate, said: “This bill was passed in the 9th National Assembly. I wholeheartedly support this bill. The bill is worthwhile because technology and environmental sciences are very important, indeed crucial, for every country worldwide, especially in the 21st century.
“If we want to develop like most countries are today, we have to move away from being extremely traditional. We cannot afford to continue with this basic thing. In most cases, outdated courses are taught in our schools or universities.
“This is the 21st century. And human beings, more appropriately, human resources, should be the source of developing our country. We have had petroleum from the 1950s to date. We are still grappling with poverty, unemployment and so on. Some countries have nothing, but human beings. Yet they have made tremendous progress. A good example is Singapore.
“Aside, most countries are now embracing knowledge-based economies. I believe the time is right. When we establish a new institution, it should be an institution that will provide education and enlightenment for the 21st century development agenda.”
Also, at the plenary on Thursday, Umeh corroborated Lawan’s position on the bill, pointing out that the university, when eventually established, would focus on technology and environmental sciences.
Umeh, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, said: “In this country, Mr. President, the time has come when we shall be establishing specialised universities to pursue certain areas and fields of knowledge.
“By focusing on the advancement of technology and environmental sciences, we are confining this university to these two important areas. When we produce graduates from this university, we will be thinking of graduates with excellent knowledge.”
