The Senate on Thursday passed two bills seeking to establish the Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun, Delta State, and the Federal University of Education, Ogbudu, Cross River State.
The bills were passed after the Senate considered and adopted reports presented by its committees on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Tertiary Institutions, and TETFund.
The Federal University of Agriculture Act Amendment Bill, 2026, seeks to amend existing legislation to provide for the establishment of the university in Orogun, Delta State.
The Federal University of Education, Ogbudu, Cross River State Establishment Bill, 2026, seeks to establish an institution to promote and develop teacher education in Nigeria.
Presenting the report on the agriculture bill, Sen. Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South) said the proposed university would boost agricultural development and encourage improved farming practices.
Ani, who presented the report on behalf of the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, said the committee had examined the bill and found that it complied with legislative drafting standards.
He said the committee recommended passing the bill because of its relevance to national development and the need to strengthen agricultural education and development.
Presenting the report on the education bill, Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) said the proposed university would improve access to education and address the growing demand for qualified teachers.
Dandutse said the committee held a public hearing on the bill in May 2025, during which stakeholders unanimously supported establishing the institution.
He said the bill sought to upgrade the existing Federal College of Education in Ogbudu and leverage its infrastructure and workforce to expand access to higher education.
The senator added that establishing the university would promote learning opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, sex or political conviction.
The Senate subsequently considered both bills clause by clause in the Committee of the Whole and adopted the relevant clauses, schedules and provisions.
The bills were then read for the third time and passed after voice votes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee chairmen, members and other senators for their contributions to the bills’ passage.
Akpabio expressed hope that presidential assent would enable the institutions to widen access to education and serve their communities and the country.
He also urged the institutions’ management to comply with National Universities Commission (NUC) standards and regulations to ensure their certificates gained international recognition.
