Bill to establish new varsity in Bayelsa passes second reading in Senate

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei in Bayelsa State for teaching, instructions and research in science and technology.

The passage, on Tuesday, was sequel to the presentation and consideration of the general principles of the bill, sponsored by Senator Benson Konbowel, PDP Bayelsa Central, during plenary.

Leading the debate on the bill, Senator Konbowel said the university, when established, would not serve only Bayelsa people but become an institution of learning where people from all parts of the country could come and learn.

According to him, the proposed university was for the training of young men and women and older Nigerians in science and technology, adding that education was a driver of modern economy.

He said the institution would also teach courses that are particularly relevant to each immediate area, especially Marine Engineering, Petroleum, and other fields of research, adding that beyond those disciplines, it would also produce graduates in diverse fields of Engineering, Medical Science, and Information Technology, among others.

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“The university will award both graduate and postgraduate degrees, and contribute in developing the manpower required for building our nation’s economy,” the lawmaker further explained.

Senator Konbowel also stressed the need to take advantage of the global economy to build the nation’s manpower base via establishment of the deserving universities.

He particularly emphasized the need to establish more universities to train and equip them and give them hope and a future.

“That is why the proposed Federal University of Science and Technology should be established.

“Establishing this university will also draw young people out of the streets and get them engaged in activities that will brighten their future and the future of this society.

“It is a weapon against youth restlessness and other biases that may arise in the future,” he said.

Contributing, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP Bayelsa West, said the bill sought the need for additional investment in the nation’s education sector.

He urged lawmakers to support the establishment of the institution, given the need for additional educational investment in the state.

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio shortly after the bill passed a second reading referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further legislative inputs and to report back in four weeks.