NUC okays Reps’ bill to establish federal technology varsity in Asaba

House Minority Leader lists benefits
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has thrown its weights behind the bill for the establishment of Federal University of Technology in Asaba, Delta State.

The NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who spoke when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education, said that an additional university for the state would afford students yearning for admission the opportunity to acquire degrees in the country.

The committee, chaired by Aminu Sulaiman (APC, Kano), is considering a bill entitled: “A Bill for an Act to Establish A Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State, sponsored by Minority Leader of the House, Ndudi Elumelu.

Rasheed, represented by NUC Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Yakasai, insisted that there was nothing wrong granting Delta State approval to have an additional specialised university.

However, Elumelu said that the proposed institution would provide more opportunities and level-playing ground for all to gain admission into Nigerian universities and specialise in technology-related courses.

He maintained that the College of Education (Technical), Asaba, has existing standard facilities that would surely fast-track the take-off of a university of technology, hence the need for the upgrade.

He, therefore, sought the repeal of the first schedule of the Federal College of Education Act, Cap F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which established the College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State and for the re- enactment of the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State.

“When this university is established, it will be the first and only university of technology in the whole South-South region and the only federal university in Asaba.

“It is, therefore, incumbent for us to note that the establishment of this university will help to open the floodgate for technology development in the South-South geo-political zone and neighbouring states within the boundaries of the zone,” he noted.