President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law three significant bills establishing new federal institutions in Abia and Imo States, in a move aimed at expanding access to higher education and boosting regional development in Nigeria’s Southeast.
The newly approved institutions include the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item-Bende, both located in Abia State, as well as the Federal University, Okigwe, in Imo State. The institutions are expected to enhance learning opportunities for young Nigerians and improve educational infrastructure across the region.
The Federal College of Education, Bende, will offer full-time academic programs across disciplines such as technology, applied sciences, arts, commerce, social sciences, and humanities. It will also serve as a center for research into teaching methods and educational administration.
The Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item-Bende, is designed to provide specialized training in medical and health-related fields. It will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation in healthcare delivery and policy.
In Imo State, the newly established Federal University, Okigwe, is expected to provide broader access to university education and promote academic excellence and research in various fields. The university will help address the educational needs of the state and its neighboring communities.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who sponsored two of the bills, praised President Tinubu for his leadership and vision. He described the move as a strategic investment in the future of the region and a step toward correcting long-standing educational imbalances in the country.
The signing of these bills is widely seen as a significant milestone in the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s education sector. It is also expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to national development by producing highly skilled graduates and professionals in education and healthcare.
