Senate approves bill to establish University of Applied Sciences, Kachia

The Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, located in Kaduna South.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South), aims to boost technological and applied science education in Nigeria.

The passage followed the presentation of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND’s report, delivered by its chairman, Senator Mohammed Dandutse Muntari (Katsina South).

During the plenary, Senator Muntari highlighted the positive feedback received during the public hearing, emphasizing the university’s potential to transform education and economic development in the region.

“The establishment of this institution will enhance educational infrastructure, provide practical knowledge in technology, and equip graduates to tackle environmental challenges and improve productivity,” Muntari stated.

He also noted that the Federal University of Applied Sciences would help address key national issues, such as security, economic growth, and the integration of multicultural youth, by imparting essential skills in technology, commerce, and management.

The Senate Committee recommended the bill’s passage, stressing its importance in supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement. Traditional rulers and leaders from Kaduna South attended the public hearing, expressing overwhelming support for the project, which is expected to bring significant development to the region.

The establishment of the Federal University will reduce the ills around the national economy and de-escalating chances of entrenching heinous criminal activities being perpetrated by men of the underworld.

“The knowledge and skills that would be acquired by the graduates from the envisaged Act of the National Assembly will definitely go a long way in expanding and deepening the horizon of the graduates in information management, and consequently improve national integration and general social progress of the multicultural, young people of this country with yearning and aspiration to acquire skills in information, economic and science management.

“Hence, the need for the Senate to consider and approve this legislative proposal for the benefit of humanity in general and Nigeria as a nation state, in particular.

“Therefore, the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, recommended “that the Senate do consider and pass the Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, to Provide Full-time Courses in Technology, Applied Science Management and other Fields of Studies and to make provisions for the general administration of such university, and for other matters connected therewith [Bill, 2024] [SB: 13], as recommended.”

The bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia was sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Kaduna South).

The bill passed second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on May 7, 2024.

The committee later held a public hearing, which received overwhelming support from who is who in Kaduna, especially those from the South who attended in large numbers including traditional rulers.

With the Senate’s approval, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.