By Judith Innocent
During its plenary session on Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate made significant strides in advancing the bill aimed at establishing the Federal Polytechnic in Onueke, Ebonyi State. Spearheaded by Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka of Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, the proposed legislation seeks to formalize the creation of an educational institution dedicated to providing full-time courses in technology, applied sciences, management, and other fields of study.
Senator Ani Anthony Okorie, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing the critical importance of specialized technical education in Nigeria’s academic landscape. He underscored the need for the curriculum of the prospective institution to be tailored towards specialization, departing from the conventional approach prevalent in existing institutions.
Read Also: Naira Depreciation Blamed on Insufficient Dollar Allocations, Says ABCON Official
In a show of solidarity, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo Senatorial District echoed the sentiments, advocating for the establishment of functional polytechnics in every senatorial district across Nigeria. He argued that such decentralization would not only broaden access to education but also enhance the academic prowess of the nation by accommodating a greater number of aspiring scholars.
The passage of the bill through its second reading signifies a significant step forward in the legislative process, paving the way for further deliberations and eventual implementation. If enacted into law, the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Onueke promises to expand educational opportunities, foster specialization, and bolster Nigeria’s quest for academic excellence.