Tinubu signs bills to establish three federal institutions in S’ East

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law three new education bills establishing a Federal College of Education in Bende, Abia State; a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Item, Bende, Abia State; and a Federal University in Okigwe, Imo State.

The bills were sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and are aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education and advancing research and development across the South East region.

The Federal College of Education, Bende, is expected to offer full-time courses in technology, applied sciences, commerce, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management, as well as conduct research in technique development and adaptation.

The institution will also have provisions for the appointment of a provost and other administrative officials to oversee academic governance and student discipline.

The Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, is designed to deliver specialised education in medical and health sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and will also conduct research in medical sciences, healthcare policy, and delivery systems.

The university is expected to play a vital role in improving health outcomes in Nigeria by training professionals and contributing to health sector innovation.

The newly established Federal University in Okigwe, Imo State, will provide higher education and research opportunities in multiple disciplines to serve the educational needs of Imo and surrounding states.

Reacting to the signing of the bills, Hon. Benjamin Kalu described the development as a significant step toward strengthening the South East’s educational infrastructure and ensuring balanced federal presence across regions.

Hon. Kalu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the assent and also acknowledged the roles played by the Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and the Nigerian public in supporting the legislative process.

He stated that the signing of the bills into law marked a milestone in promoting education, youth empowerment, and regional development in the South East.

He added that the people of the region should remain supportive of the Tinubu administration, assuring that more dividends of democracy would soon follow.

Hon. Kalu said the new institutions will not only create educational opportunities but will also stimulate local economies, create jobs, and foster innovation and research-driven development.