President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has endorsed legislative initiatives aimed at expanding Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape through the creation of new specialised universities across the country.
Speaking at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on Monday at the National Assembly Complex, Akpabio described the proposed legislation as both “timely and strategic,” emphasizing their relevance to Nigeria’s developmental priorities.
The hearing focused on multiple bills seeking to establish specialised institutions, including the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State; Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo; Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos; and the Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State (Amendment).
Akpabio argued that such institutions, particularly those focusing on technology, health sciences, vocational education, and services for persons with special needs, are critical to national growth and global competitiveness.
“With a population that continues to grow and an economy increasingly reliant on knowledge and innovation, universities of technology, health sciences, education, and vocational studies are instrumental in preparing a workforce that can drive sustainable development,” he said.
He stressed that the Senate’s support for these institutions demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, accessible, and industry-relevant education, which he described as vital for national transformation.
“These bills reflect our recognition of the critical need to address gaps in specialised education, create pathways for skills development, and ensure regional equity in access to quality tertiary education,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also praised the committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, for fostering inclusive lawmaking and broad stakeholder engagement. He described public participation in the legislative process as both a constitutional imperative and a hallmark of democratic governance.
“This process is not just about building new campuses, it is about empowering young minds, sparking innovation, and reinforcing national unity through equitable educational access,” he stated.
Akpabio urged his colleagues, policymakers, and education stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the proposed universities, once established, are adequately funded, professionally managed, and aligned with the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.
“The sustainability and impact of these institutions will depend not only on their creation but on how well they are supported, governed, and integrated into the national development agenda,” he added.
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