From Fred Itua, Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok Kaduna State, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State and the Federal University of Technology Ilaro Ogun State will boost education in the country.
According to Akpabio, the establishment of tertiary institutions in the country is very important adding that the national assembly will give it the needed priority.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday during the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND.
The public hearing is for the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State Establishment bill, 2024 (SB 224); Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geosciences Repeal and Enactment) bill, 2024 (SB12); Federal College of Aviation Technology Ilara Remo, Ogun State (Establishment bill) 2024 (SB 52); Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok Kaduna State, (Establishment) Bill, 2024, (2024 (SB 13) and Federal University of Technology Ilaro Ogun State (Establishment) bill, 2024 (SB 345).
Represented by Senator Gbenga Daniel, Akpabio said it is important to establish tertiary institutions if the country must continue to move forward.
“The establishment of these institutions will help in improving education in the country and bridge the gap in Education and manpower in Education,” Akpabio said adding that the Senate, through the committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND will consider the memorandum that will serve as the basis for the passage of the bills.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND Dandutse Muntari Mohammed (Katsina South) said all the presentation should be sent to the committees adding that all people won’t speak because of the lost of a member of the House of Representatives, Ekene Adams (Chikun Kajuru).
Mohammed said all the bills will be treated and ensure that every constituency is fairly treated.
Speaking at the public hearing, the sponsor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok Kaduna State, Sen Sunday Marshall Katung said the establishment of the university will be the first federal presence in his constituency.
Katung said many people are forced to seek tertiary education outside the state, adding that the university will provide special training, postgraduate training, stimulate the local economy and help in the advancement of learning.”