The House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s industrial research capabilities and expanding access to specialized medical education. During the plenary session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the House approved the third reading of the bill to establish the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology and the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Oju, Benue State. Both bills, sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, now move to the final stages of the legislative process.
The National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (Establishment) Bill, HB. 2711, provides a statutory framework for a world-class institution dedicated to innovative research and development. The institute is mandated to focus on the processing and conversion of indigenous raw materials into high-value chemicals and petrochemical products. By integrating chemical, biological, and man-made fiber technologies, the institute aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported chemicals and provide environmentally friendly solutions for the nation’s industrial sector.
In a parallel development, the House passed HB. 162, which seeks to establish the Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Oju, Benue State. This institution is designed to address the critical shortage of specialized medical professionals in Nigeria by providing advanced training in biomedical sciences. The university will serve as a hub for medical research and innovation, offering a dedicated academic environment for the study of disease mechanisms, drug development, and advanced healthcare technologies, thereby strengthening the national healthcare system.
The passage of these bills underscores the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to people-centered infrastructure and institutional growth. By creating a dedicated research body for chemical technology and a specialized university for biomedical sciences, the legislature is laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant economy and an improved public health sector.
