Akpabio Declares Public Hearing Open on Tertiary Education Bills, Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Access to Specialized Learning

By Iyojo Ameh

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has declared open a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on selected tertiary education establishment bills.

The event, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, vice chancellors, academic experts, and representatives of civil society.

In his keynote address, Senate President Akpabio represented by the Deputy President of the Jibrin Barau underscored the importance of the bills under review, describing them as “timely and strategic” in addressing the evolving needs of Nigeria’s education sector.

He noted that the legislative proposals are part of a broader national effort to foster inclusive and specialized tertiary education that reflects the country’s diverse developmental needs.

The bills under consideration include:

Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo (SB.67)

Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State (SB.690)

Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State (SB.395)

Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo, Oyo State (SB.496)

Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State (SB.738)

Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State (Amendment) (SB.570)

“These initiatives are not just about constructing new campuses or expanding infrastructure,” Akpabio said. “They are about empowering minds, igniting innovation, and nurturing national unity through equitable access to educational opportunities.”

He emphasized that Nigeria is at a turning point in its developmental trajectory, making it imperative to invest in human capital through education that is relevant, accessible, and innovative. Specialized universities, he noted, are key to developing a workforce capable of propelling national growth and transformation.

President of the Senate also commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, for what he described as “the foresight and diligence in organizing this important hearing.”

He further stressed the importance of public participation in shaping legislative outcomes, affirming that input from stakeholders across academia, civil society, and the private sector is vital to building a robust and responsive education system.

“As we deliberate today, let us remember that our decisions will define the trajectory of our education system and, ultimately, the future of our nation,” Akpabio said, urging for robust and constructive engagements.

President of the Senate called for a collaborative effort in ensuring that once these institutions are established, they are adequately funded, efficiently managed, and equipped to deliver quality education in line with global standards.

The hearing sets the stage for further legislative action on the bills as the Senate continues its commitment to reforming and revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.

Chairman of the committee Senate Mutari Danduje, appeal to the stakeholders to take active on debate on the bills in the interest of the society

In a vote of thanks vice of the committee senator Orzi Uzo Kalu stressed the importance of the education to the growth and development of the country.