Abuja – The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to establish the Federal University of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand specialized tertiary education.
The passage of the bill followed the presentation of a detailed report by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, which had thoroughly scrutinized and considered the proposal. The report was laid before the red chamber and received overwhelming support from lawmakers during plenary.
In an interview following the bill’s approval, Senator Ipinsagba expressed deep gratitude and excitement, describing the moment as a victory for the people of Ikare, the Akoko region, and the entire Ondo North Senatorial District.
“Yes, I feel good, just like any other day, because whatever God has done, no man can push it aside,” he said. “It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in the eyes of all of us… So we are all happy, everybody in the state is happy, right from the town where the university will be sited.”
On the next steps in the legislative process, Senator Ipinsagba expressed confidence that the bill would sail smoothly through the House of Representatives and receive presidential assent, noting President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to educational development.
“When you talk about lobbying, I think Mr. President has made everything very easy… he is interested in more universities coming into the country. So I strongly believe that not much lobby will come up,” he stated.
The Senator underscored the uniqueness of the proposed institution, emphasizing its potential to become a pioneering centre of excellence in the field of information and communication technology in Nigeria and West Africa.
“Out of Nigeria now, even in West Africa, it is going to be one of its kind… That is the peculiarity of that university. That is the uniqueness of the university in the state,” he noted.
Responding to questions about land availability and infrastructure, Senator Ipinsagba reassured the public that Ikare-Akoko has sufficient land and resources to accommodate the university. “Ikare has a very big expanse of land… Ondo State is big enough to accommodate whatever university that is coming there,” he said.
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He also emphasized that the university would be inclusive and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of economic status. “It is not a question of whether you are a rich man or a poor man… It is going to follow the normal admission procedure like every other federal institution,” he added.
With Senate approval secured, the bill will now move to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it is forwarded to the Presidency for assent. Once established, the Federal University of ICT in Ikare-Akoko is expected to serve as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement, contributing meaningfully to national development.
