The Nigerian Senate moved forward with Senator Ned Munir Nwoko’s proposed bill to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, as it passed the second reading on Thursday, October 31.
Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North, argued that this transformation would address critical gaps in Nigeria's technological education landscape and provide the South-South region with its first dedicated federal university focused on technology.
“Nigeria’s growth in the 21st century depends on cultivating technological innovation and producing new knowledge,” Nwoko stated during his address to the Senate.
“The Federal Universities of Technology in other regions have contributed immensely to our national development, yet the South-South zone remains underserved in this area. Upgrading the Asaba institution is a strategic step toward meeting our country’s demand for skilled manpower in STEM fields.”
Nwoko emphasized that the bill does not seek to establish a new institution from scratch but instead aims to elevate an existing college with strong infrastructure and a large student body, thus minimizing costs. Senators Ndubueze Patrick Chiwuba, Tony Nwoye, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas supported the bill, highlighting the benefits of job creation, regional growth, and a bolstered technological workforce for Nigeria’s industries.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised Nwoko’s vision, acknowledging the bill’s potential to transform the nation’s educational and industrial future.
