Lawmakers propose 32 additional federal varsities

Thirty-two bills to establish new universities, polytechnics, and educational institutions have been considered by the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 10th National Assembly.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities and other specialists, however, advised the government against founding new universities while neglecting to support the ones that already exist.

Nigeria has fifty-two federal universities. There are 147 private universities and 63 public universities in the nation, according to National Universities Commission data.

There are 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics, and 76 private polytechnics, according to the National Board for Technical Education.

There are 17 private health colleges compared to the 70 federal and state-owned institutions.

Furthermore, 219 colleges of education are estimated to exist in Nigeria by the National Commission for Colleges of Education.

The Speaker of the House led the group, according to the bills’ analysis. The Federal University of Technology, Kaduna was proposed by the Speaker and was given first reading on July 6, 2023. In a same vein, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu promoted the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, in the state of Abia.

The Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Benue State; the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island; the Federal College of Health Sciences in Gaya; the Federal College of Dental Technology in Faggae; the Federal College of Agriculture in Agila in Benue State; the Federal College of Education in Dangi-Kanam, Plateau State; and the Federal College of Education in Bende, Abia State are among the other proposed establishments.

Among others are the Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State; and Benjamin Kalu Federal Polytechnic, Rano, Kano State.