Lawmakers Propose Establishment of 32 Additional Federal Varsities, Polytechnics, and Institutions of Education
In a significant move, lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly have introduced 32 measures in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to establish new federal universities, polytechnics, and institutions of education. The proposals, spearheaded by various legislators, aim to expand educational opportunities across the country.
However, these proposals have not been without controversy. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other experts have cautioned the government against the establishment of new institutions without adequate funding for existing ones.
The concern revolves around the need to prioritize the enhancement of current educational institutions to ensure quality education.
Nigeria currently boasts 52 federal universities, according to official data from the National Universities Commission. Additionally, the country has 63 public universities and 147 private institutions. In the realm of polytechnics, there are 40 federal, 49 state-owned, and 76 private institutions, as reported by the National Board for Technical Education.
The healthcare education sector includes 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health, along with 17 private colleges. Furthermore, the National Commission for Colleges of Education estimates that Nigeria has 219 colleges of education.
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A closer look at the proposed bills reveals the Speaker of the House leading the pack. The Speaker has advocated for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna, with the bill receiving its first reading on July 6, 2023. Similarly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has proposed the creation of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende, Abia State.
Other bills suggest the establishment of institutions such as the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island, the Federal University of Agriculture in Ute Okpa, Delta State, and the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Benue State. Additionally, proposals include the establishment of the Federal College of Health Sciences in Gaya, the Federal College of Dental Technology in Faggae, the Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State, and the Federal College of Education in Dangi-Kanam, Plateau State, among others.
The introduction of these bills underscores the ongoing commitment of lawmakers to expand educational infrastructure across the nation. However, the debates surrounding funding priorities and the need for adequate resources for existing institutions will likely continue as these proposals progress through the legislative process.
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