Bill to upgrade 44-year-old FedPoly Ilaro to Federal University passes second reading

The Nigerian Senate has passed, for a second reading, a bill to establish the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, seeks to upgrade the 44-year-old Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, to a university.

While explaining the general principles of the bill, Senator Adeola stated that the proposed University of Technology would fill the technological gaps in that part of the South West, adding that Ogun State is the most technologically developed state in the entire South West.

He said that the bill was passed into law in the 9th Senate and was sent to the lower legislative chamber for concurrence before the session lapsed.

“The bill, which was introduced in 2017, was passed in the 9th Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence before the session lapsed,” he said.

According to him, the establishment of the university will be an upgrade of the Polytechnic, which was established in 1978, has received accreditation from the NUC, and fully runs degree courses.

He said the university would improve technological development and balance educational infrastructure in the Southwest.

In his contribution, Senator Ali Ndume said the proposed university was in line with the country’s educational development drive, saying he served his one-year mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) at the school.

“I served at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, in 1979, and I know Ilaro well, particularly that there was not much to be done since the infrastructure was already on the ground.

Supporting the bill, Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger North Senatorial District, said, “The proposed bill should be supported because the world is driving towards technology now.

“Now that the Chairman of Appropriation is the one bringing this bill, I hope he will make adequate appropriations so that the university can function well.”

Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, presiding over the plenary, passed the bill through voice votes.

RADIO NIGERIA