President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has thrown his weight behind legislative efforts to expand Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through the establishment of new specialised universities in the country.

Speaking at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, on Monday, Akpabio described the proposed bills as “timely and strategic.”

He noted that specialised institutions such as those focused on education for persons with special needs, geomatics, health sciences, technology, and vocational studies are essential for national development.

The hearing focused on several key tertiary education establishment bills, including Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom; Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo; Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos and Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State (Amendment).

The Senate President emphasised the importance of aligning Nigeria’s education system with the demands of a growing population and a knowledge-driven global economy.

“Universities of technology, health sciences, education, and vocational studies are instrumental in preparing a workforce that is capable of driving innovation, delivering essential services, and transforming the nation’s economic fortunes,” Akpabio said.

He stressed that the promotion of the establishment of such specialised universities reflected the Senate’s commitment to inclusive, accessible, and industry-relevant education.

“These bills reflect our recognition of the critical need to address gaps in specialised education, create opportunities for innovation and skills development, and promote regional balance in access to quality tertiary education,” Akpabio stated.

He also lauded the Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, for its commitment to inclusive lawmaking and stakeholder engagement, stressing that public participation in the legislative process is both a constitutional responsibility and a democratic best practice.

“This process is not just about constructing new campuses. It’s about empowering minds, igniting innovation, and fostering national unity through equitable educational access,” Akpabio added.

He called on lawmakers, education stakeholders, and civil society to ensure the proposed institutions are not only established but also well-funded, effectively governed, and responsive to the needs of 21st-century learners.