The Senate has passed a bill to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, a transformative step for higher education in Delta State and the South-South region.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North), is one of eight similar bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s technological and vocational education sector.
The legislative action marks a strategic milestone in expanding access to specialized, technology-driven tertiary education across the country.
The bill’s passage followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Murtari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South).
Other universities approved in the legislative sweep include:
Federal University of Technology, Offa, Kwara State – sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa
Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State – sponsored by Senator Harry Ipalibo Banigo
Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, Cross River State – sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
Federal University of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State – sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero
Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State – sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Federal University of Sciences, Deba, Gombe State – sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje
Federal University of Technology and Vocational Training, Yaba, Lagos State – also sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Dandutse noted that the bills had previously passed second reading and were subjected to rigorous consultations and stakeholder engagements.
He said the proposals aim to expand equitable access to quality education, foster academic and professional advancement, and promote innovation through tailored programs leading to degrees, diplomas, and certifications.
At the public hearing for the Asaba bill held on May 28, 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko passionately argued for the need to address geographical imbalance in the distribution of Federal Universities of Technology.
He pointed out that despite the South-South zone’s massive economic contribution—particularly in oil, gas, and manufacturing—it has no federal university dedicated to technology.
“The establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, is a strategic response to an urgent national need,” Nwoko said.
“This upgrade will transform an already well-established technical institution into a full-fledged university capable of driving innovation, youth empowerment, and 21st-century development solutions.”
The Senate’s unanimous passage of the bill has been widely commended as a progressive move to bolster Nigeria’s technological capacity and promote inclusive access to higher education.
With the passage, the bills now await concurrence by the House of Representatives and subsequent assent by the President to become law.
Credit: Vanguard
