President Bola Tinubu has granted his assent on Thursday to two separate bills that establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
According to the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, these specialized institutions are envisioned not only to address the country’s educational needs but also to serve as centers for research, innovation, and professional training in agriculture, science, and technology. This initiative is expected to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness while driving overall economic growth and development.
The new universities will play a crucial role in developing the next generation of professionals, ensuring that the Nigerian workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic global economy. The decision comes as Nigeria continues to expand its higher education landscape, which now includes 63 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 149 private universities, according to the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In addition to these two new institutions, President Tinubu has recently approved the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni town of Tai, Rivers State on February 3, 2025. Moreover, the President has consented to the Federal Government’s takeover of a forfeited private university in Southern Kaduna, which will be transformed into a federal university.
These moves reflect the administration’s commitment to leveraging education as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity across Nigeria.
