FIC Report (Ekiti State) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
This brings to six Federal tertiary Institutions in Ekiti State, but the three functioning were the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti.
The Federal Government also approved the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture as well as Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed to the Press following the signing of the two legislations at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Senate had passed both bills, sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024 before securing concurrence from the House of Representatives and eventual presidential approval.
In a statement released on Thursday, titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun,” issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, Bamidele emphasized the critical role of the universities in national development.
“These universities will bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria,” he stated.
He described the Presidential assent as a “defining and significant milestone” in the administration’s efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change challenges.
Before the Presidential approval, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had strongly recommended the establishment of both Universities in a letter to the Presidency, dated 19 February.
Regarding the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, Alausa highlighted its specialized focus on technology-driven education and research.
“The university will specialize in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st-Century skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences.
“It will drive Nigeria’s industrialization by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.
With Tinubu’s approval, the Federal Government has taken a major step toward addressing deficiencies in environmental technology, food security, and agricultural innovation’, he further reiterated.
Bamidele commended the president for prioritizing knowledge-driven development, stressing that the universities would play a pivotal role in national growth.
“This is a landmark decision that will shape Nigeria’s future in agriculture, environmental science, and technological innovation.
The benefits will not only be felt in Osun and Ekiti but across the nation”, he said.
Signed
Christian Ojong
PCMPRO
