By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) -The Senate on Thursday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei, Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to expand science education, promote indigenous research and address Nigeria’s skilled manpower needs.
The hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse.
Speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the proposed institution should be assessed not merely on the basis of its establishment but also on its capacity to deliver quality education, sustainable research and practical solutions to national challenges.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Ibrahim Mustapha, stressed the need for sustainable funding, adequate infrastructure and effective administration to ensure the university’s long-term viability.
He said Nigeria needed institutions capable of translating research into industrial production, reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipping young people with the skills required to compete globally.
According to him, the Niger Delta’s greatest resource is its human potential, adding that the proposed university could help address environmental degradation and develop practical solutions to the challenges facing riverine communities.
He identified cleaner energy, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries as key areas in which the institution could contribute to regional and national development.
The Senate President noted that expanding the number of universities should not be the sole objective of higher education policy, stressing that increased access must be matched by academic excellence, adequate funding and long-term sustainability.
He urged stakeholders to critically examine the bill and make recommendations that would enable the National Assembly to take an informed decision in the national interest.
Earlier, Dandutse said the public hearing provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to contribute to the proposed legislation.
He explained that the committee would examine the proposed university’s governance structure, funding arrangements, academic focus, staffing requirements, infrastructure and compliance with existing laws governing tertiary education.The committee chairman added that particular attention would be given to the institution’s long-term viability to ensure that, if approved, it delivered meaningful benefits to students and the country.
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Benson Konbowei, said the proposed university would help address shortages of skilled manpower, particularly in science, technology and other specialised fields.
Konbowei argued that Nigeria needed to train more professionals locally rather than rely on foreign sources to meet critical technological and industrial manpower requirements.
He said locating the institution in the Niger Delta would give young people greater opportunities to pursue science-related courses and acquire skills relevant to their communities and the country at large.
The lawmaker thanked the Senate leadership and committee members for considering the proposal, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen science and technology education in the region.
Also speaking, Timidi Wariowei, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, said Korokorosei, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, had existing infrastructure that could support the proposed university.
Wariowei listed a secondary school with several buildings, a health facility, hotels and a landing jetty among the facilities available in the riverine community.
He also disclosed that road construction towards the community was ongoing, expressing optimism that improved accessibility would facilitate the development of the proposed institution.
According to him, the Bayelsa State Government had established technical colleges across its eight local government areas to promote practical skills in science and technology.
He said the proposed university could provide graduates of the technical colleges with opportunities for advanced education, specialised training and further skills development.
