By Haruna Salami and Musa Baba Adamu
The Senate has commenced consultations on a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology in Korokorosei, Bayelsa State, with a focus on addressing skilled manpower shortages and strengthening science and technology education.
The public hearing, held on Thursday in Abuja, was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse.
The proposed institution is expected to expand access to specialised education, promote indigenous research and innovation, and develop the technical expertise required to drive industrialisation and technological advancement.
Declaring the hearing open on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Ibrahim Mustapha, said the proposed university must be assessed in terms of its long-term sustainability, rather than merely its establishment.
He stressed the need for adequate funding, modern facilities and effective administration to ensure that the institution delivers on its objectives.
According to him, Nigeria requires universities capable of translating research into industrial production, reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipping young people with skills to compete globally.
Mustapha described the Niger Delta’s human resources as a major asset, noting that the proposed university could contribute to addressing environmental challenges and developing practical solutions for the region’s riverine communities.
He identified cleaner energy, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries as areas where the institution could make meaningful contributions through research and innovation.
The Senate President’s representative also cautioned against making the establishment of more universities an end in itself, insisting that increased access to higher education must be matched by academic excellence, sufficient funding and long-term viability.
He urged stakeholders to critically examine the proposed legislation and submit recommendations to guide the National Assembly’s decision.
Earlier, Dandutse said the public hearing offered stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to the proposed university’s development and provide input into the legislative process.
He said the committee would scrutinise the institution’s proposed governance structure, funding arrangements, academic programmes, staffing requirements and infrastructure, as well as its compliance with existing laws governing tertiary education.
Dandutse added that particular attention would be given to the university’s long-term sustainability to ensure that its establishment, if approved, would deliver tangible benefits to students and the country.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Benson Konbowei, said the proposed university was designed to address shortages of skilled professionals, particularly in science, technology and other specialised fields.
He argued that Nigeria needed to strengthen local capacity to train professionals rather than depend on foreign sources to meet critical technological and industrial manpower needs.
Konbowei said locating the institution in the Niger Delta would create additional opportunities for young people to study science-related disciplines and acquire skills relevant to their communities and the wider country.
He commended the Senate leadership and committee members for considering the proposal, describing it as an opportunity to advance science and technology education in the region.
Also speaking, Timidi Wariowei, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, said existing infrastructure in Korokorosei, located in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, could support the proposed university.
Wariowei listed a secondary school with several buildings, a health facility, hotels and a landing jetty among the facilities already available in the riverine community.
He disclosed that road construction towards the community was ongoing, expressing optimism that improved access would facilitate the development of the proposed institution.
He further explained that the Bayelsa State Government had established technical colleges across the state’s eight local government areas to promote practical skills in science and technology.
According to him, the proposed university could provide graduates of the technical colleges with opportunities for advanced education, specialised training and further professional development.
The bill is expected to undergo further legislative consideration following the committee’s assessment of stakeholders’ submissions and the institution’s proposed operational framework.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
