The 10th National Assembly has witnessed the introduction of 32 bills in both the Senate and House of Representatives aiming to establish new universities, polytechnics, and educational institutions.
However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other experts have cautioned against the government’s move to establish new institutions without adequate funding for existing ones.
Despite the existing 52 federal universities in Nigeria, with a total of 63 public universities and 147 private institutions, the government has proposed further expansion.
The National Board for Technical Education reports 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics, and 76 private polytechnics.
Additionally, there are 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health, along with 17 private colleges of health. The National Commission for Colleges of Education estimates that there are 219 colleges of education in the country.
Analysis of the bills reveals that the Speaker of the House led the initiative, proposing the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Kaduna.
Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker, advocated for the development of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende, Abia State.
Other bills suggest the creation of institutions such as the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology in Lagos Island, Federal University of Agriculture in Ute Okpa, Delta State, and the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Benue State.
Further proposals include the establishment of the Federal College of Health Sciences in Gaya, Federal College of Dental Technology in Faggae, Federal College of Agriculture in Agila, Benue State, Federal College of Education in Dangi-Kanam, Plateau State, and the Federal College of Education in Bende, Abia State.
Additionally, bills have been presented for the Benjamin Kalu Federal Polytechnic in Rano, Kano State, and the Federal Polytechnic in Shendam, Plateau State, among others.