Senate bypasses debate, fast-tracks YABATECH’s conversion to university amid rising concerns

DDM News

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step to upgrade Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

The bill seeking the conversion scaled second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session at the National Assembly, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies,” it was well received.

The bill was sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

He said the upgrade followed a presidential fiat already issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier this year.

In February, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed the presidential approval during a working visit to YABATECH.

Alausa stated that YABATECH is fit and ready to function as a full-fledged university of technology and vocational studies.

Bamidele explained that the legislation would give necessary legal support to the institution’s transition.

He said transforming the institution would motivate staff, inspire students, and improve educational facilities.

The senator praised YABATECH’s readiness to adopt the changes associated with becoming a university.

He emphasized the institution’s commitment to producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s technology, business, and management sectors.

Bamidele compared the school’s ambition to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), known for innovation and academic excellence.

He said the bill would ensure the institution remains committed to its original educational mandate.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin conducted a voice vote on the bill during plenary.

The bill passed its second reading with unanimous support from senators present.

Barau referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further review.

The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for continued legislative action.

Meanwhile, the Senate also passed two additional university bills during Tuesday’s session.

One bill approved the establishment of the Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology in Erinja, Yewa, Ogun State.

The bill followed recommendations by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, chaired by Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed Mallam-Madori.

Mallam-Madori said the university would provide specialized education in science and technology to improve law enforcement capacity.

He also highlighted its potential to drive research, innovation, and community development in Ogun State.

The university is expected to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and promote public security knowledge.

Another bill passed was to amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act.

The amendment provides for the establishment of a new Federal University of Agriculture in Kura, Kano State.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga and supported by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges.

Committee Chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, said the school would boost agricultural education and improve modern farming practices.

He emphasized that the university would expand access to agricultural knowledge and practical skills.

Lalong said it aligns with national efforts to strengthen food security and reduce hunger.

All three bills passed with strong backing from lawmakers through separate voice votes.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s higher education system and promoting regional development through education.

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