President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of two new federal universities: the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the necessary legislation at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. Bamidele had sponsored the bills in 2023 and 2024, and they were passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives before receiving the President’s approval.
A statement from the Office of the Senate Leader, titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun,” emphasized the significant impact these institutions are expected to have on national development.
Bamidele explained that the new universities would bridge knowledge gaps in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria. He described the President’s approval as a “defining and significant milestone” in addressing food insecurity and climate change challenges.
Before the President’s endorsement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, strongly supported the establishment of both universities in a letter to the presidency dated February 19.
For the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Alausa highlighted its focus on technology-driven education and research. He stated that the university would specialize in producing graduates with modern skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences, contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth and job creation.
The institution will also focus on environmental sciences, offering programs in climate change, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable urban development. It aims to become a research hub for developing policies and solutions supporting Nigeria’s global environmental sustainability goals.
Regarding the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Alausa outlined its mission to advance agricultural research and innovation, essential for tackling Nigeria’s food security issues.
He explained that the university would provide advanced agricultural education and research, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farming techniques, agro-processing, and climate-smart agriculture solutions. It will also integrate agricultural sciences with development studies to address socio-economic challenges in rural areas.
Additionally, the university will promote entrepreneurship and agribusiness, preparing students for self-employment and wealth creation. It is also expected to boost economic activities in Iragbiji and nearby communities, creating jobs and business opportunities.
The university will collaborate with international institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to drive innovations in agricultural sustainability and community development.
With President Tinubu’s approval, the Federal Government has taken a major step in addressing challenges in environmental technology, food security, and agricultural innovation.
Senator Bamidele praised the President for prioritizing knowledge-based development, emphasizing the vital role these universities will play in advancing national progress.
He noted that this decision marks a crucial moment for Nigeria’s future in agriculture, environmental science, and technology, with positive effects expected to extend beyond Osun and Ekiti to benefit the entire nation.
