By Okechukwu Eze, Abuja
The Senate yesterday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei, Bayelsa.
This is part of efforts to expand science education, strengthen research and address Nigeria’s skilled manpower needs.
The hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund chaired by Sen. Muntari Dandutse.
The proposed institution is expected to expand access to science and technology education, strengthen indigenous research and innovation and develop skilled manpower to support industrialisation and technological advancement.
Declaring the hearing open, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the proposed university should be assessed beyond its establishment.
Akpabio who was represented by Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Ibrahim Mustapha stressed the need for sustainable funding, adequate facilities and effective administration.
He said Nigeria needed institutions capable of transforming research into industrial production, reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipping young people with skills to compete globally.
According to him, the Niger Delta’s greatest resource is its human potential, adding that the proposed institution could contribute to addressing environmental degradation and developing solutions for the region’s riverine communities.
He identified opportunities in cleaner energy, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries, saying the university should produce graduates whose research and innovations would contribute to national development.
The Senate President emphasised that establishing more universities should not be the only objective, noting that access to higher education must be accompanied by academic excellence, adequate funding and long-term sustainability.
He urged stakeholders to critically examine the bill and make recommendations that would enable the National Assembly to reach an informed decision in the national interest.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, said the hearing provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to contribute to the proposed legislation.
Dandutse said the committee would examine the institution’s governance structure, funding arrangements, academic focus, staffing requirements, infrastructure and compliance with existing laws governing tertiary education.
He added that the committee would pay particular attention to the university’s long-term viability to ensure that its establishment, if approved, delivered meaningful benefits to students and the country.
The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Benson Konbowei said the proposed university would address shortages of skilled manpower, particularly in science, technology and other specialised fields.
He said Nigeria needed to train more professionals locally instead of relying on foreign sources to meet critical technological and industrial manpower requirements.
The lawmaker said establishing the institution in the Niger Delta would provide young people with opportunities to pursue science-related courses and develop skills relevant to their communities and the wider country.
He thanked the Senate leadership and committee members for considering the proposal, describing the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen science and technology education in the region.
Also speaking, Mr Timidi Wariowei, Technical Adviser to Gov. Duoye Diri of Bayelsa said Korokorosei, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, had existing infrastructure that could support the proposed university.
He listed a secondary school with several buildings, a health facility, hotels and a landing jetty among the facilities available in the riverine community.
He added that road construction towards the community was ongoing, expressing optimism that improved accessibility would support the development of the proposed institution.
The representative said the state government had established technical colleges across its eight local government areas to develop practical skills in science and technology.
He explained that the proposed university could provide further educational opportunities for graduates of technical colleges, creating a pathway for advanced training and specialised knowledge.
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