Funtua:The Senate has approved a bill to establish the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Funtua, Katsina State, aiming to provide legal support and enhance access to medical education.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Senate also passed amendments to the Federal Universities of Technology Act. This development followed the review of a report by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, which was presented by Senator Muntari Dandutse of Katsina South.
The committee examined stakeholders’ inputs and endorsed the bill, emphasizing the institution’s role in expanding educational access and meeting Nigeria’s growing demand for relevant skills in socio-economic development. Additionally, the Senate approved bills to establish federal universities of technology in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, and Babura, Jigawa State.
These bills aim to amend the Federal Universities of Technology Act, ensuring legal recognition and comprehensive administrative guidelines for the institutions. Following the committee’s report review, the Senate adopted the recommendations and passed the bills in their third reading.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the committee and the senators for their efforts, noting that the legislation would provide the necessary legal framework for institutions that have already begun operations. He highlighted the potential for these universities to broaden educational opportunities in Nigeria and attract international students.
Akpabio commended the Senate’s efforts to address potential legal issues affecting these institutions through the new legislation.