ABUJA/Nigeria: In a spirited debate during Thursday’s plenary, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North led a compelling argument for the passage of a bill proposing the transformation of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba into the Federal University of Technology, Asaba.
His call for the upgrade centred on Nigeria’s urgent need to bolster technological education to meet growing demands in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Senator Nwoko underscored the pivotal role of technology-driven institutions in fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and driving development in the 21st century. “Nigeria’s growth and development hinge upon our capacity to cultivate innovation and produce cutting-edge research in the technology sector,” he asserted. “Yet, the current number of Federal Universities of Technology is inadequate to support this vision.”
He highlighted the contributions of the five existing Federal Universities of Technology in Akure, Minna, Owerri, Bauchi, and Yola, while pointing out that the South-South region remains underserved in this regard. Senator Nwoko argued that upgrading the Asaba institution would address this regional gap, bringing a new hub for technological advancement to the South-South.
“This Bill is not simply a rebranding exercise. It represents a strategic and transformative step to foster technological education and innovation,” he said, describing the proposed upgrade as a significant investment in Nigeria’s future. Senator Nwoko further noted that Asaba’s location, with its proximity to industrial centres such as Onitsha and Port Harcourt, positions it as an ideal site for the proposed university.
With the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba already housing infrastructure and a student population exceeding 10,000, Senator Nwoko argued that the transition to a university could be achieved with minimal additional financial burden. “This Bill seeks to expand the existing potential of the institution, maximising its current resources to meet the educational demands of Delta State and beyond,” he said.
Senators Ndubueze Patrick Chiwuba, Tony Nwoye, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas joined in expressing strong support for the proposal. They lauded its vision and the economic and educational benefits it promises for the South-South region. The senators stressed that a Federal University of Technology in Asaba would drive job creation, foster regional development, and support Nigeria’s industrial growth by providing a skilled workforce.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended Senator Nwoko for his dedication to the bill, acknowledging its potential to reshape Nigeria’s educational landscape. He extended his best wishes for the bill’s progress, recognising its promise for the future of Nigerian education and industry.
