ABUJA – The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish Federal University of Technology, Ogaja.
The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Jarigbe Agom (Cross River- PDP) who led the debate, said when passed into law, the bill would assist in extending infrastructure in existing universities.
According to him, there is need to establish more universities, given the high number of students seeking admission into higher institutions.
The lawmaker, representing Ogoja /Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River, added that the bill would also bring about development and youth engagement in the area.
He also stressed the need to convert some identified first generation polytechnics to universities to bridge the existing gap and increase the admission space available.
This, he said, would absorb the backlog of students seeking admission into universities.
Opposing the bill, Rep. Emmanuel Orker -Jev (Benue-APC) said the House currently had many outstanding bills on establishment of federal universities.
He said additional university would require more resources.
The bill was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.
The bill was referred to Committee on Tertiary Education for further legislative action.
