Bill to establish Federal University of Technology Asaba scales second reading

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives yesterday passed to second reading a bill seeking for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Asaba, Delta State.
The Bill sponsored by the House Minority of the House, Reps Ndudi Elumelu, is to provide quality technical education amongst others for teeming youths of the area.
Titled, “A bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State for the Promotion and Development of Technical Education in Nigeria and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters”.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Kingsley Chinda at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila
Elumelu in his lead debate stated that be Bill seeks to ensure the technicality of the institution is achieved.
He stated that the desire for the university is to create a level playing field for all Nigerians seeking to gain technical education in the region which is the bedrock of development.
According to him, “Asaba in Delta state is one of the few state capitals without a federal university despite its advancement, population and strategically location
He urged members to support the establishment of the institution in Asaba as the site of the College of Education (Technical) being proposed for its location “has facilities that can meet the standard of a University, hence the need for the upgrade”.
He listed the facilities to include, School of Vocational studies, standard and well equipped functional library, Administrative blocks, staff quarter, lecture theatres, shuttle buses, Multipurpose hall, health centre, Technical works building and playing grounds amongst others.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education for further legislative action.