This advice was given during the second reading of the separate bills for an Act seeking the establishment of the new universities and to make comprehensive provisions for their due management and administration and other related matters.
The new universities are: Federal University of Dutsin-ma; Federal University of Kashere; Federal University of Lafia; Federal University of Lokoja; Federal University of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo; Federal University of Otuoke and Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
In his lead debate, Senate Leader, Senator Victor Nduma-Egba (PDP, Cross River) noted that the bills were necessary to formalise the establishment of the universities.
Contributing to the debate, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu), said the establishment of the universities was in fulfillment of the campaign promises of President Goodluck Jonathan, stressing that the institutions, when fully operational, would help meet students’ aspirations for university education.
In his own contribution, Senator Ahmad Lawan (ANPP, Yobe) described the establishment of the new universities as necessary, saying “there are many talented young Nigerians who are qualified for university education, but could not get admission because of limited space”.
On his part, Senator Chris Ngige (ANC, Anambra) stressed the need to focus on quality while establishing new universities, saying, “Most of the existing universities in the country are glorified secondary schools.”
There are graduates who cannot defend their certificates. We should focus on quality rather than quantity”.
Ngige said it is not for the Federal Government to establish new universities because states, individuals and religious bodies are already establishing universities in this country, adding that “the Federal Government only needs to do everything possible to provide an enabling environment for universities.”
The bills were thereafter committed to the Senate Committee on Education for further legislative fine-tuning. The committee was given two weeks to turn in its reports to the plenary
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