President Tinubu approves establishment of new federal universities in Osun, Ekiti state
President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to Bills passed by the National Assembly to establish two federal universities in Ekiti and Osun States, representing a significant advancement for education.
The newly approved institutions are the “Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences” in Iyin Ekiti and the “Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies” in Iragbiji, Osun State.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the development after the signing of the two Bills at the State House in Abuja.
Bamidele explained that the universities aim to close gaps in science, technology, and innovation. They will also advance environmental sustainability, promote agricultural research, and strengthen national food security.
“The universities will ensure youth gain quality education in science and agriculture. They will equip students to drive development,” he stated.
According to the “National Universities Commission (NUC),” Nigeria currently has 63 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 149 private universities.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent endorsement of two new federal universities represents a key step toward improving Nigeria’s educational system.
This move forms part of a wider plan to broaden access to specialized higher education, encourage research and innovation, and address educational inequalities across different regions.
The creation of these institutions aims to meet the rising need for specialized education in the fields of agriculture, technology, and environmental sciences.
Earlier in February, President Tinubu signed a Bill into law establishing the “Federal University of Environment and Technology” in Ogoni town, Tai, Rivers State, to benefit the Ogoni people, who have faced environmental harm due to extensive oil extraction in the Niger Delta.
The President highlighted that the university would act as a hub for excellence, providing young Nigerians with the expertise to address environmental issues, pursue clean energy solutions, and support sustainable economic progress.
In a related move, President Tinubu directed the Federal Government to assume control of “Nok University” in Kachia, Kaduna State, after a Federal High Court ordered the final forfeiture of the privately-owned institution.
The university has been renamed the “Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.”
President Tinubu instructed the Minister of Education to allocate funds for the university in the 2025 budget, with the goal of admitting its first cohort of students by September 2025.
Before receiving presidential approval, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had strongly advocated for the establishment of both universities in a letter addressed to the presidency.
The Ministry of Education conducted a comprehensive review of the proposals and confirmed that they met the required federal standards.
