Reps request conversion of Polytechnic to University of Technology

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has proposed that Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Ebonyi, be upgraded to a university of technology.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, made the announcement on Tuesday at a public hearing on a bill to upgrade Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic to a University of Technology.

Fulata stated that the process of converting the polytechnic to a university needs participation from the public and relevant stakeholders before the measure was signed into law.

He stated that the committee arranged the hearing to allow all stakeholders and the general public to contribute and add value to the bill so that it meets Nigerians’ hopes when it is finally passed into law.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, while declaring the public hearing open, urged the committee to do a thorough job and come forward with reliable report.

Abbas who was represented at the event by the House Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. Ibezimako Ozodinobi, said that the need for access to quality education in Nigeria was imperative as it was the bedrock of development.

The Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Iduma Igariwe, in his submission noted that the upgrade of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic to a Federal University of Science and Technology would not bring additional burden to the government.

He said it would rather enhance science and technology in the country which would result in rapid growth and development across different sectors of the economy. (NAN)