Lawmakers Unveil Ambitious Plan For 32 New Federal Varsities Across Nigeria

The 10th National Assembly has introduced 32 proposals in both the Senate and House of Representatives to establish new universities, polytechnics, and educational institutions…CONTINUE READING

Despite this, the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other experts have cautioned the government, emphasizing the need to prioritize funding for existing institutions.

Currently, Nigeria boasts 63 public universities and 147 private institutions, according to official data from the National Universities Commission.

Additionally, there are 40 federal polytechnics, 49 state-owned polytechnics, and 76 private polytechnics, as reported by the National Board for Technical Education.

Furthermore, the country has 70 federal and state-owned colleges of health, along with 17 private colleges of health, according to available records.

The National Commission for Colleges of Education estimates a total of 219 colleges of education in Nigeria.

An analysis of the bills reveals that the Speaker of the House took the lead, proposing the creation of the Federal University of Technology, Kaduna, which received its first reading on July 6, 2023.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also advocated for the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, in Abia State.

Other bills propose the formation of institutions such as the Federal University of Information and Communications Technology, Lagos Island; Federal University of Agriculture, Ute Okpa in Delta State; Federal University of Biomedical Sciences in Benue State; Federal College of Health Sciences, Gaya; Federal College of Dental Technology, Faggae; Federal College of Agriculture, Agila in Benue State; Federal College of Education, Dangi-Kanam, Plateau State; Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State; Benjamin Kalu Federal Polytechnic, Rano, Kano State; and Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State, among others.