Abuja, Nigeria – July 12, 2025 — The Nigerian Senate has officially passed a new law that will upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, in Delta State. This is part of a bigger move to improve access to quality, technology-based education across Nigeria.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North) and marks a major step forward in providing better university education to young people, especially in the South-South region of the country.
Other New Universities Approved
Along with the Asaba university, the Senate also passed bills to create seven other federal universities. These include:
- Federal University of Technology, Offa, Kwara State – Sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa
- Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State – Sponsored by Senator Harry Ipaligbo Banigo
- Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, Cross River State – Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
- Federal University of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State – Sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero
- Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State – Sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
- Federal University of Sciences, Deba, Gombe State – Sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje
- Federal University of Technology and Vocational Training, Yaba, Lagos State – Also sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Why This Matters
The Senate made the decision after reviewing a detailed report from the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, led by Senator Murtari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South). The committee had earlier studied the bills, held meetings, and listened to experts before agreeing that the universities should be established.
Senator Dandutse said the goal of these new universities is to give more students a chance to learn, regardless of where they come from. The universities will offer degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional programs to prepare young people for real-world jobs.
Focus on Asaba: A Bold Step for the South-South
At a public hearing for the Asaba bill held on May 28, 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko explained why the school upgrade is important. He said that even though the South-South region contributes a lot to Nigeria’s economy—especially through oil, gas, and manufacturing—it does not currently have a Federal University of Technology.
“This upgrade will help solve that problem,” Senator Nwoko said. “We are building on a strong technical school and turning it into a modern university that will help Nigeria meet its 21st-century development goals.”
He called the bill “a bold step toward innovation, youth empowerment, and long-term national development.”
What People Are Saying
The bill has been praised by education advocates, students, and local leaders. Many see it as a smart move that will not only improve education but also create more opportunities for young Nigerians to learn skills that matter in today’s world.
With this decision, the Senate is showing support for regional balance, technological growth, and future-focused learning.
For students in Asaba and across the South-South, this means more opportunities are coming — and a brighter future is on the horizon.
