By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology in Korokorosei, Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to expand science education and address Nigeria’s skilled manpower needs.
The hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, focused on the proposed university’s potential to strengthen research, innovation and technological development.
Declaring the hearing open, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Ibrahim Mustapha, said the proposed institution must be assessed beyond its establishment to ensure sustainable funding, adequate infrastructure and effective administration.
Akpabio said Nigeria needed universities capable of translating research into industrial production, reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipping young people with skills to compete globally.
He identified cleaner energy, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries as areas where the proposed institution could contribute to addressing environmental challenges and improving livelihoods in Niger Delta communities.
The Senate President stressed that expanding access to higher education must go hand in hand with academic excellence, adequate funding and long-term sustainability.
Earlier, Dandutse said the public hearing provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to contribute to the proposed legislation.
He said the committee would examine the university’s governance structure, funding arrangements, academic programmes, staffing requirements, infrastructure and compliance with existing laws governing tertiary education.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Benson Konbowei, said the proposed institution would address shortages of skilled manpower, particularly in science, technology and other specialised fields.
Konbowei said Nigeria needed to train more professionals locally rather than depend on foreign sources to meet critical technological and industrial manpower requirements.
He added that locating the university in the Niger Delta would expand opportunities for young people to acquire science and technology skills relevant to their communities and the country.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, Mr Timidi Wariowei, said existing infrastructure in Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, could support the proposed university.
He listed school buildings, a health facility, hotels and a landing jetty among the available facilities, adding that road construction towards the riverine community was ongoing.
Wariowei also noted that the 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 training and specialised education.
