Senator Hussiani’s University Establishment Bill, Scales Second Reading
……Says it will address shortage of teachers and boost human capital advancement
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday commenced a second leg debate on a crucial piece of legislation that seeks to transform the Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel, into a full-fledged Federal University of Education.
The bill, titled Federal University of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 239), was sponsored by Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba, representing Jigawa North West Senatorial District and was first read in the Senate on November 6, 2023.
Leading the debate, Senator Hussaini emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its teacher education framework by establishing more specialized institutions dedicated to training professional educators.
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“The development of a sound and robust educational system in any country is predicated on the availability of qualified and well-trained teachers,” the Senator stated.
“This university will serve as a catalyst for developing capable, innovative educators who will meet Nigeria’s growing educational demands.”
According to the bill, the new institution will offer a wide range of academic and professional programs—including certificates, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and higher degrees—in fields such as education, technology, applied sciences, agriculture, commerce, humanities, and social sciences.
The university is envisioned to not only advance learning and inclusive access to education but also to serve as a center for research, innovation, and collaboration with both local and international institutions.
Senator Hussaini also noted that the transformation would not require fresh federal funding, as the university will inherit the existing infrastructure of the Jigawa State College of Education.
The Jigawa State Government has already agreed to hand over the facilities for this purpose.
“This initiative is both visionary and pragmatic,” Senator Hussaini added. “It aligns with our national objective to improve educational standards and offers a long-term solution to teacher training needs.”
The Senator urged his colleagues to support the swift passage of the bill, stressing its potential to uplift educational development in Jigawa and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s overall human capital advancement.
The bill now awaits further legislative consideration in the coming weeks as it receives overwhelming support of other Senators during plenary.
