By Joy Odor
Senator Jide Ipinsagba Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Information and Communication Technology in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State that will serve as a hub for research, training, and nurturing of talents in ICT. has passed the Third Reading.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the passage of the Bill at the National Assembly on Tuesday in the floor of the Senate, the Lawmaker informed that the proposed university will focus on specialized training in the ICT profession that will not only benefit Ondo State citizens and Nigeria, but set a precedent in West Africa.
According to him, in an era where digital innovation drives the global economy, such a University would bridge the digital divide, promote innovation, and position Nigeria as a global leader in technology.
Senator Ipinsagba believed President Tinubu will support and assent to the establishment of the Federal University of Information and Communication Technology for the growth of education in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu is passionate about education and would support the establishment of more universities. So I strongly believe he will give his assent to the establishment of the Federal University of Information and Communication Technology in Ondo State.
“So I strongly believe that not much lobby will come up because the President is already positioning the nation towards proper alignment in the area of education.
“So he is encouraging usto go to school, he is encouraging more universities to come into Nigeria. So the whole thing will go through the normal process.
“Yes, I feel good, just like any other day, because whatever God has done, no man can push aside. It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in the eyes of all of us – especially the people of Ikare, Akoko, and Ondo North Senatorial District.”
“This is going to be one of its kind – a specialized university that will add value to our education sector”.
“At last, the Ondo State people will be happy to see that the bill passed today. So we are all happy, everybody in the state is happy, right from the town where the university will be sited.
“When the bill leaves the Senate, it will go to the House of Reps for concurrent, and after that, it will move straight to the Executive. So from here, we’ll be talking of final approval.
“Out of Nigeria, even in West Africa, it is going to be one of its kind, That shows the peculiarity and the uniqueness of the university in the state. So it is like we will add value to the education line” Sen. Ipinsagba narrated.
The Lawmaker promised that the university will be accessible to all, regardless of social or economic background.
Senator Ipinsagba therefore commended the Senate support for the bill to scale third reading and charged all stakeholders in Ondo State to begin preparations for the take-off of the institution once the final approvals are granted.
“It’s not about the rich or the poor. The admission process will be fair and open to every Nigerian willing to acquire technological skills,” he noted.
