Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged increased investment in human capital development, emphasizing its critical role in Nigeria’s progress amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Akpabio made the appeal during a public hearing on Monday in Abuja, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund. The session, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC–Katsina), focused on six legislative proposals aimed at establishing or amending various federal universities nationwide.
The bills under review include the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2025; Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, 2025; and the Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Represented by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, Akpabio said Nigeria is at a “pivotal point” in its development trajectory and must strategically expand access to specialized and inclusive education to equip future generations.
“Our population continues to grow, and so must our investments in human capital,” he stressed, noting that universities focused on technology, health sciences, education, and vocational skills will be central to job creation and innovation.
Akpabio highlighted that institutions such as the proposed University of Education (Special), Oyo, and the University of Geomatics are vital in addressing the diverse needs of a modern economy, particularly fostering inclusion for students with disabilities.
“The task before the Senate is to ensure these institutions are not only established, but sustainable, well-funded, effectively governed, and tailored to the 21st-century learner,” he said.
Senator Muntari Dandutse, chair of the committee and sponsor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua bill, stressed the urgent need to modernize medical education in Nigeria. He cited the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare as transformative forces that could render traditional medical practices obsolete.
“As AI continues to automate procedures, the future of medical work is shifting. We must position Nigeria to keep pace or risk falling behind,” he warned.
Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC–Oyo), sponsor of two bills, spoke on the transformation of existing institutions into specialized universities. He noted that upgrading the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo into a university would position Nigeria as a leader in special needs education in sub-Saharan Africa.
“This university will provide equitable access to education, especially for persons with disabilities,” Akintunde said. “It will ensure a steady supply of well-trained teachers capable of delivering inclusive, high-quality instruction.”
He further explained that demand for special education in Nigeria is growing, and the new university aligns with the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and education funding.
The hearing marks a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s higher education landscape to meet evolving national needs. As the Senate proceeds to deliberate on the bills, the focus remains clear: education tailored to innovation, inclusion, and the future of work is indispensable.
