By Daniel Edu
The Nigerian Senate has given its approval to a bill proposing the establishment of a Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State. The university’s primary goal is to produce world-class technologists and human resources capable of sustainably managing the country’s economy. The bill, sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, received unanimous support from senators and has been referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for further legislative considerations.
The bill, which was initially introduced in the ninth National Assembly, was revisited on October 17, 2023, with a specific focus on addressing knowledge gaps in technology and environmental sciences.
Senator Bamidele emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that it would promote the growth of exceptional technologists and the human resources required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the bill aims to improve access to higher education, particularly for qualified individuals who face challenges securing admission to universities within the country.
Upon approval, the university is expected to establish an ultra-modern institution that fosters technological advancement, research, entrepreneurship, and wealth management, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Various senators, including Deputy President of the Senate Senator Barau Jubrin and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence Senator Ahmed Lawan, expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-based economies and specialized institutions to drive the nation’s development agenda in the 21st century.
