Sen. Nwoko’s Bill To Upgrade Asaba College To Federal University Of Technology Passes Second Reading

The bill for the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba has passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.

The bill being sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP Delta North)!is tailored to bridge the gap in technological education in the South-South region, which currently lacks a dedicated Federal University of Technology.

Leading the debate on the bill, Senator Nwoko argued that Nigeria’s growth and development in the 21st century is hinge upon the country’s ability to cultivate innovation, advance technology, and generate new knowledge.

According to him, “Our institutions of higher learning are crucial in shaping our future, especially through the production of cutting-edge research and development in the technology sector.

“However, the current number of Federal Universities of Technology in Nigeria does not adequately meet the growing demand for comprehensive technological education.

“The existing Federal Universities of Technology in Akure, Minna, Owerri, Bauchi, and Yola have made commendable contributions to our national development. However, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria remains without a dedicated Federal University of Technology.

This Bill, he said, “seeks to rectify that gap by upgrading the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba—an institution with a rich history and proven foundation in technical education—to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba.”

He maintained that “this upgrade is not merely a title change, but a “strategic and transformative step towards advancing technological education, research, and innovation.”

Senator Nwoko pointed out that technological institutions like this proposed university are essential for Nigeria’s growth, given the country’s increasing need for skilled manpower in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

He lamented South-South region’s lack of a dedicated Federal University of Technology, stressing that Asaba is ideally positioned to fill this gap due to its proximity to industrial hubs and economic centers like Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

According to the Senator, the college’s existing infrastructure and substantial student body of over 10,000 would enable this upgrade with minimal financial impact.

He argued that this approach leverages the college’s existing resources and positions it to meet the high demand for technological education across Nigeria, particularly within the Delta region.

“This Bill does not propose establishing a new institution from the ground up,” he explained, rather, “It seeks to unlock and expand the significant existing potential of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba.”

Three other legislators, Sen. Ndubueze Patrick Chiwuba, Sen. Tony Nwoye, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who were called upon to share their views on the Bill voiced strong support for the Bill, commending its vision and the advantages it promises for the South-South region and the nation as a whole.

Each senator emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap in technological education and affirmed that a university of technology in Asaba would create jobs, drive regional development, and provide a vital resource for Nigeria’s industries.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, commended Senator Nwoko’s dedication to the Bill and acknowledged its potential impact on the future of Nigerian education and industry.

He extended best wishes to Sen. Ned Nwoko for the continued success of the Bill.

Recalls that the Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap. F23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide for the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, and for related matters (SB. 570), passed its first reading on October 2, 2024.