Legislative Proposal for Federal University of Education in Ikere Passes First Reading

The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at establishing a Federal University of Education, Science and Technology in Ikere, Ekiti State. Sponsored by Hon. Ojuawo Rufu Adeniyi, who represents the Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise/Orun Federal Constituency, this bill (HB. 2449) marks his first term in the 10th National Assembly. Key highlights of the bill include its purpose to create a distinct federal institution dedicated to education, science, and technology. The bill has successfully passed its First Reading, marking the initial step in the legislative process, although it has yet to advance to the subsequent readings where further discussion and debate will occur. This proposal comes amid a broader wave of legislative efforts aimed at establishing new federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Among several bills received by the National Assembly in recent months, many have also recently passed their First Reading. Interestingly, it is important to note that there is already a state-owned university in the area. In 2020, the Ekiti State House of Assembly approved the upgrade of the College of Education in Ikere to university status, renaming it the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI). The proposed federal university would exist separately and not merely take over the existing state-owned institution. The initiative to create new federal universities is often seen as a way for lawmakers to promote educational access and economic development in their constituencies. However, this development raises questions regarding the financial and administrative implications of fast-tracking the establishment of multiple tertiary institutions. The bill will undergo public debate, committee review, and further legislative scrutiny before it can potentially be passed into law.