In a significant legislative development, a bill proposing the establishment of 47 new federal universities in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading. This legislative move could potentially raise the number of federal-owned universities in the country to 99, if the bill progresses through subsequent stages.

As of now, Nigeria houses 52 federal universities, with some states hosting multiple institutions. The bill also addresses the establishment of 56 Federal Medical Centres across various regions of the country. Additionally, the House is considering bills for the creation of 32 Federal Colleges of Education, 11 Federal Colleges of Agriculture, and five Federal Polytechnics, supplementing the existing educational landscape.

The proposed institutions, when established, will encompass a range of disciplines, including Universities of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Aviation, Medicals, and Engineering, among others. The legislative agenda also includes bills for the establishment of Colleges of Vocational and Skill Acquisition, Cancer Research, and Entrepreneurship.

Notably, the House of Representatives has been actively engaged in legislative matters, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas highlighting the consideration of 962 bills, 500 motions, and 153 petitions in the past six months. Out of these, 120 bills have successfully passed the second reading, awaiting further legislative actions.

While the expansion of educational institutions is underway, concerns have been raised by stakeholders such as the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke. He emphasized the importance of having a funding template for newly established universities to maintain educational standards. Osodeke also raised concerns about the appointment and recruitment processes into state-owned universities, identifying them as contributing factors to the challenges in tertiary education.

The move to establish new universities has prompted calls for an urgent amendment of the National Universities’ Commission Act to ensure adequate funding and prevent the indiscriminate establishment of institutions without proper financial backing. The Academic Staff Union of Universities has expressed concerns that the establishment of new universities, without a clear funding mechanism, could adversely impact existing educational institutions.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, did not deliberately avoid their invitation. In a statement made by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, it was revealed that the former minister cited health challenges in a letter explaining her inability to attend the invitation.

“She didn’t shun EFCC invitation; she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up. Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation,” explained Oyewale. The commission acknowledged her health challenges and expects her to comply with the invitation as soon as she is able.

Oyewale also addressed the circulating figure of N37.1 billion, stating that it might not accurately represent the extent of misappropriation. He emphasized that the ongoing investigation is still tracing transactions, and the actual amount involved may surpass the currently reported figure.

Furthermore, the EFCC spokesperson mentioned that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, who was arrested on Tuesday, has been released. She is directed to cooperate with the EFCC for interrogation until the investigation is concluded.

In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the appointment of new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The announcement was made through a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday.

The appointed Executive Directors for NPA include Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet, appointed as the Executive Director of Finance & Administration, Engr. Olalekan Badmus as the Executive Director of Marine & Operations, and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar as the Executive Director of Engineering & Technical Services.

Simultaneously, for NIMASA, the new Executive Directors are Mr. Jibril Abba, appointed as the Executive Director of Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, Mr. Chudi Offodile as the Executive Director of Finance & Administration, and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi as the Executive Director of Operations.

The statement elucidated that these appointments were made within the ambit of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The President expressed confidence in the capabilities of the appointees, emphasizing their collective mandate to enhance the Marine & Blue Economy sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP. The appointments are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, guided by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola.

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint these individuals stems from a thorough examination of their impressive profiles, with an expectation that they will efficiently execute their responsibilities, fostering conditions conducive to elevating the Marine & Blue Economy sector and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.