Senate Examines Proposed Bayelsa Science University as Akpabio Stresses Sustainable Funding

 

The Nigerian Senate has stressed the need for sustainable funding, adequate infrastructure and effective administration in the proposed establishment of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei, in Bayelsa State.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the position known at a public hearing on the bill seeking to establish the institution in Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, warning that expanding access to university education must go hand in hand with academic excellence and long-term sustainability.

Akpabio, who was represented by Senator Ibrahim Mustapha, said Nigeria needed institutions capable of translating research into industrial production, reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipping young people with the skills required to compete in the global economy.

He described human potential as the Niger Delta’s greatest resource, noting that the proposed university could contribute to addressing environmental challenges and developing practical solutions for the region’s riverine communities.

According to him, the institution could support research and innovation in cleaner energy, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries, while producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Senate president cautioned, however, that increasing the number of universities should not be the sole objective of higher education policy, stressing that access must be matched by adequate funding, quality infrastructure, academic standards and effective administration.

He urged stakeholders to critically examine the proposed legislation and make recommendations that would assist the National Assembly in reaching an informed decision in the national interest.

The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South).

Konbowei seeks expanded access to university education

Leading the advocacy for the proposed institution, Senator Benson Friday Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, said the university would help address the shortage of skilled manpower, particularly in science, technology and other specialised fields.

Konbowei argued that despite the increase in the number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, available admission spaces remained insufficient to accommodate the growing population of young people seeking university education.

Citing statistics from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), he said that of the 2,007,312 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 1,009,044 secured admission into tertiary institutions.

He questioned the fate of candidates who could not gain admission, arguing that the figures underscored the need to expand the country’s higher education capacity.

“The question is: Where do we keep the 50 per cent left?” he asked, urging his colleagues to support the proposed legislation.

According to the senator, establishing the university would create more opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire specialised knowledge and technical skills needed to contribute to national development.

He added that the institution would promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and productive engagement among young people, while helping to address unemployment and associated social challenges.

Konbowei said locating the university in Korokorosei would particularly benefit Southern Ijaw and surrounding communities, where access to educational opportunities remains limited.

He emphasised that the institution would admit qualified candidates from across the country and not restrict its benefits to Bayelsa State.

The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Korokorosei, Bayelsa State (SB. 483), was first read on the floor of the Senate on July 23, 2024, and passed for second reading on December 10, 2024.

Committee examines proposed university’s viability

Earlier, Dandutse said the public hearing provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to contribute to the proposed legislation.

He said the committee would scrutinise the university’s proposed governance structure, funding arrangements, academic focus, staffing requirements, infrastructure needs and compliance with existing laws governing tertiary education.

The committee chairman added that particular attention would be paid to the institution’s long-term viability to ensure that, if approved, it delivered meaningful benefits to students and the country.

Bayelsa identifies existing facilities

Also speaking at the hearing, Mr Timidi Wariowei, technical adviser to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, said Korokorosei had existing facilities that could support the proposed university.

He listed a secondary school with several buildings, a health facility, hotels and a landing jetty among the infrastructure available in the riverine community.

Wariowei added that road construction towards the community was ongoing, expressing optimism that improved accessibility would support the development of the institution.

He also said the state government had established technical colleges across its eight local government areas to promote practical skills in science and technology.

According to him, the proposed university could provide graduates of the technical colleges with opportunities for further education, advanced training and specialised knowledge.