President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for increased investment in human capital development to meet Nigeria’s growing population and evolving national needs.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja through the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Akpabio emphasised that investing in education and skills was crucial for the country’s progress.
The public hearing focused on six legislative proposals, including bills to establish universities in Oyo, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Rivers States. These include the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo; Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom; Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo; Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos; and the amendment of the Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State.
“Our population continues to grow and so must our investments in human capital,” Akpabio said.
He noted that specialised institutions in areas such as technology, health sciences, education, and vocational studies are essential for preparing a workforce that can drive innovation and deliver essential services.
“The inclusion of specialised institutions like the proposed University of Education (Special), Oyo, and the University of Geomatics highlights our intention to cater for specific educational and developmental needs,” he added.
He stressed that these institutions must be sustainable, well-funded, and effectively governed to meet the demands of 21st-century learners.
Senator Muntari Dandutse (APC–Katsina), chairman of the committee and sponsor of the bill for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, said that global shifts in science, technology, and medicine demand a responsive education sector.
He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare delivery, cautioning that technological advancement could displace jobs unless Nigeria adapts proactively.
“This, no doubt, will invariably give rise to job losses in the near future,” he said.
Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC–Oyo), who sponsored two of the bills under consideration, explained that the proposed institutions are upgrades of existing ones rather than fresh establishments.
He said the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo, would play a critical role in strengthening inclusive education in Nigeria.
“Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo is the only one of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. The need for a university that caters for people with disabilities cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.
Akintunde added that the legislation would support the government’s efforts to ensure wider access to education and address challenges faced by students with disabilities in conventional institutions.
(NAN)