Senate Passes Nwoko’s Bill to Upgrade Asaba Tech College into University

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State, alongside four other similar bills aimed at establishing new universities of technology across the country.

The bill for the proposed Federal University of Technology, Asaba was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North), and its passage marks a significant step toward expanding access to quality, technology-driven higher education in the South-South region.

Also passed were bills seeking to establish: Federal University of Technology, Offa, Kwara State, sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa and Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State, sponsored by Senator Harry Ipaligbo Banigo

Others are 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.

Also passed are bills for the establishment of 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 and Federal University of Technology and Vocational Training, Yaba, Lagos State, also sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

The Senate’s action followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Murtari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South).

Presenting the report, Senator Dandutse explained that the bills were earlier read for the second time and referred to the committee for further legislative scrutiny. He noted that the committee held extensive deliberations and consultations before recommending their passage.

Highlighting the objectives of the bills, Dandutse stated that they aim to expand learning opportunities without discrimination and develop academic and professional programs that lead to degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional qualifications.

During the public hearing for the Asaba bill on May 28, 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko emphasized the urgent national need to bridge regional gaps in the distribution of federal universities of technology.

“The South-South geopolitical zone, despite its immense contribution to Nigeria’s economy—particularly in oil, gas, and manufacturing—does not currently host any Federal University of Technology,” Nwoko stated.

He added that the proposed upgrade would transform an already established institution with a strong technical foundation into a full-fledged university capable of addressing Nigeria’s 21st-century development needs.

“This is a bold step toward innovation, youth empowerment, and long-term national development,” he concluded.

The bill’s passage has been widely hailed as a strategic move to promote technological education and foster regional equity in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Credit: Vanguard