Senate okays Bills to establish Federal Universities in Delta, Cross River states
By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
The Nigerian Senate has passed two bills seeking to establish new federal universities in Delta and Cross River states to expand access to higher education, strengthen agricultural development and improve teacher training.
The proposed institutions are the Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun, Delta State, and the Federal University of Education, Obudu, Cross River State.
The bills were passed on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following the consideration and adoption of reports presented by the relevant Senate committees overseeing agricultural colleges, tertiary institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The proposed Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun, is to be established through an amendment to the existing law governing the institution.
The legislation is expected to strengthen agricultural education, promote improved farming practices and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural development.
Presenting the report on the agricultural university bill, Senator Anthony Ani, who represents Ebonyi South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the proposed institution would contribute to the growth of the country’s agricultural sector.
Ani presented the report on behalf of the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
He said the committee had examined the bill and found it consistent with the required legislative drafting standards.
The committee consequently recommended the bill’s passage, citing the need to strengthen agricultural education and promote national development through improved farming practices and related activities.
The second bill seeks to establish the Federal University of Education, Obudu, Cross River State, to strengthen teacher education and expand access to higher learning.
Presenting the report on the education bill, Senator Muntari Dandutse, who represents Katsina South Senatorial District under the APC, said the proposed university would help address the growing demand for qualified teachers across the country.
Dandutse disclosed that the Senate committee responsible for the bill had conducted a public hearing in May 2025, during which stakeholders expressed support for the proposed institution.
According to him, the bill seeks to upgrade the existing Federal College of Education, Obudu, to a university, enabling it to build on its existing facilities, infrastructure and workforce while expanding opportunities for higher education.
He added that the proposed university would provide access to learning without discrimination on the grounds of race, religious beliefs, sex or political opinions.
