Senate President Godswill Akpabio has thrown his support behind landmark Bills proposing the creation of new specialised federal universities across Nigeria, describing them as vital tools for national innovation and inclusive development.
Akpabio made this statement on Monday at a public hearing hosted by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The session focused on six critical education Bills aimed at establishing institutions tailored to Nigeria’s evolving development needs.
Akpabio: Specialised Universities Will Drive Innovation and Equity
Addressing lawmakers, academic stakeholders, and civil society groups, Akpabio said the proposed institutions are not mere legislative proposals but “bold steps” toward building a 21st-century education system.
“These Bills are not just legislative formalities; they are bold steps towards laying the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and innovation-driven Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized the urgency of expanding educational infrastructure to match Nigeria’s rising population and economic aspirations.
The six tertiary institutions under consideration include:
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Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo
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Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua (Katsina State)
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Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (Akwa Ibom State)
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Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo
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Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba (Lagos State)
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Amendment of the Federal University of Technology, Omoku (Rivers State)
Akpabio noted the Bills reflect a commitment to bridging regional disparities and preparing Nigerian youth for global competitiveness in technology, health, and vocational training.
Wike: UniAbuja to Lose 7,000 Hectares of Illegally Acquired Land
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the reclamation of 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja, stating that the institution was only legally entitled to 4,000 out of the 11,000 hectares it had occupied.
Wike made the declaration during the commissioning of newly completed Access Roads in Giri District, Abuja, officiated by President Bola Tinubu (represented by House Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas).
“No document, nothing. That’s all you see there, fencing everywhere… Before you know it, they were going to sell our land,” Wike alleged.
He instructed the FCT Lands Department to formalize and allocate only the legal 4,000 hectares to the university, warning that illegal land grabs would not be tolerated.
Wike argued that the development of infrastructure in Giri would attract investors and prevent further encroachments.
“This will be an important district that will attract so many investors,” he added.