The National Assembly has secured the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to two critical bills establishing the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed the president’s approval following the signing of the legislations at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.
Bamidele had championed the establishment of these institutions through legislative proposals submitted in 2023 and 2024, driven by the belief that the universities would address critical knowledge gaps in science, technology, and innovation. He emphasized that these universities would contribute to national development by promoting environmental sustainability, climate action, agricultural innovation, and food security.
Recognizing the strategic significance of the proposed institutions, the Senate passed the legislative initiatives, securing the concurrence of the House of Representatives. This led to President Tinubu’s decision to grant his assent, marking a defining step in his administration’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and climate-related challenges in Nigeria.
Following the signing, Bamidele commended the president for his support in establishing universities with specific mandates to bridge knowledge gaps in environmental technology and food security research. He noted that the new institutions would foster innovation and provide specialized training to equip Nigerian students with the necessary skills for national development.
Prior to the presidential assent, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, strongly advocated for the establishment of these universities. In a letter to the presidency dated February 19, the minister outlined the necessity and strategic benefits of both institutions.
Regarding the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Dr. Alausa noted that the bill met all requisite guidelines and standards for a federal university. He highlighted that the institution would specialize in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates with 21st-century skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences. The university is also expected to advance Nigeria’s industrialization by fostering homegrown technological solutions, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, the university will focus on environmental sciences, offering programs addressing climate change, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable urban development. It aims to serve as a research hub for policies and solutions aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental sustainability goals.
Similarly, the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, is envisioned as a center for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the university would contribute to national food security through improved farming techniques, agro-processing innovations, and climate-smart agriculture practices.
The institution is set to integrate agricultural sciences with development studies, preparing professionals to address socioeconomic challenges in rural areas. Additionally, it will foster entrepreneurship and agribusiness, equipping students with skills for self-employment and wealth creation. The university is also expected to stimulate economic activities in Iragbiji and surrounding communities, creating job opportunities and business prospects.
Furthermore, the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies will serve as a hub for collaborative research, engaging with international institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to drive innovation in agricultural sustainability and rural development.
The establishment of these two universities reflects the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, technological development, and sustainable agriculture, positioning Nigeria for a future of innovation and self-sufficiency.