A bill which seeks to convert the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to university on Tuesday scaled second reading in Senate.
The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025” was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central).
Bamidele in his lead debate, said the Bill became necessary to give legal backing to the conversion of the school to a University through fiat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had during a working visit to the college in February, said President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, into a university.
Alausa said the college is ready and fit to become a full-fledged university, adding that the school is an enduring legacy.
Bamidele said: “The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the Yaba Polytechnic to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State which has already been done via presidential fiat.
“Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide for establishment of this University.
“I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff, just as it will upgrade its facilities and enhance its capability to achieve its objectives.
“The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university.
“The institution is also prepared to remain true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.
In this regard, it will seek to emulate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has built upon a tradition of distinction to become one of the world’s foremost educational institutions.
“I am fully satisfied that the provisions in this Bill are adequate to ensure the takeoff of the proposed University.”
Senators in their contributions supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a second time when it was put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.
Barau referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative work and to report back in four weeks.
Also on Tuesday, the Senate passed a Bill for an Act to establish Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology, Erinja, Yewa Ogun state.
This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on the Bill at plenary.
The chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed Mallam-Madori, said the University when established will strengthen law enforcement capacity by providing specialized education in science and technology as well as facilitate security research and innovation.
He added that the university would catalyse local economic growth by stimulating economic activity, create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure within Erinja, Yewa, Ogun state as well as promote community engagement and inclusion.
Besides, the Senate equally passed a “Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to make provision for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Kura, Kano State and for related matters.”
This followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions chaired by Senator Simon Lalong.
The Bill was sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP – Kano Central).
In his presentation, Lalong said the Committee observed that the establishment of the proposed Federal University of Agriculture in Kura, Kano State will provide the enabling environment for acquisition of knowledge and skills in line with emerging trends in agricultural practice and development;
He also said the establishment of the proposed University would add to the Federal Government’s efforts, “geared towards addressing educational needs of the country by making education more accessible and affordable to Nigerians.”
He equally said that the passage of the Bill would, to some extent, cater for the ever-increasing demands for acquisition of requisite knowledge and skills for the socio-economic development this country.
Senators in their contributions supported the Bill and approved that it be read for a third time when put to voice vote by Senator Barau.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
