VAM NEWS UPDATE

Senate has approved the university of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin- Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The Institution, the Senate said, is saddled with the mission of developing world-class technologists and human resources that can sustainably manage the country’s economy.

The red chamber gave its approval after a bill seeking the establishment of the new tertiary institution was extensively debated and unanimously ratified at the plenary on Thursday.

The senate, also presided over by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin, subsequently referred the bill to its Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for further legislation and other considerations.

The bill, sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, elicited the overwhelming support of senators across all political divides.

First initiated in the ninth National Assembly, the bill was brought back for consideration at the Senate Chambers on October 17, 2023 with specific focus on bridging knowledge gaps in technology and environmental sciences.

Speaking on the significance of the bill, Bamidele specifically explained that the passage of the bill into law would develop world-class technologists as well as human resources needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He further explained that the purpose of the bill “is to create more access to university education in view of a large number of qualified candidates, who are annually stranded in their failed attempts in gaining admission into the university in the country.

“The objectives of the university are, first and foremost, to set up an ultra-modern institution that will develop world-class technologists as well as human resources that can sustainably manage our nation’s economy by providing technical and management expertise at the highest level.

“The university, when established, will further advance knowledge through research and nurture unique technological innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth management in its core area of interest.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the enactment of this bill will help in transforming the technological and educational fortune in producing the desired manpower and expertise that Nigeria is yearning for to exponentially speed up our economic growth and ensure sustainable development,” the senate leader submitted.