Premium Times, in an Agency Report credited to NAN, said Nigeria’s Senate passed two university bills on Thursday, Oct. 22, with supporters linking the proposals to higher education access and agricultural development.
The measures would establish a Federal University of Agriculture in Orogun, Delta State, and a Federal University of Education in Obudu, Cross River State. According to Premium Times, senators considered committee reports and the bills’ clauses before approving both at third reading by voice vote.
The Orogun measure would amend existing law. Senator Anthony Ani said the proposed university would strengthen agriculture and promote farming.
In Obudu, the education university would be established by upgrading the existing Federal College of Education, using its campus and workforce, the report said. Cross River State’s government said on Oct. 14 that Governor Bassey Edet Otu pledged support for efforts to elevate the college. The state also said it would advocate for the upgrade.
The state said the college has offered bachelor’s degree courses through its affiliation with the University of Calabar since 2011. Deputy Governor Peter Odey cited the South-South zone’s lack of a university of education, while other geopolitical zones had one, according to the state. Premium Times reported that stakeholders supported the proposal at a public hearing in May 2025.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged management of the proposed institutions to comply with National Universities Commission (NUC) standards and regulations. He also expressed hope that presidential assent would widen access to education, the report said.
