The Nigerian Senate has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to upgrade the Kogi State College of Education in Ankpa into a Federal University of Education.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah (Kogi East), aims to transform the existing institution into a specialised university focused on teacher training, education research, and curriculum development.
Leading debate on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Isah emphasised the university’s potential to strengthen Nigeria’s teacher education system and help meet rising demands for qualified educators nationwide.
He noted that the college already runs degree programmes in affiliation with six Nigerian universities, making it structurally prepared for the transition with minimal financial strain.
“Specialised universities of education should take preeminence because they are set up to train the trainers,” Isah said.
He cited the National Policy on Education, describing education as “the greatest investment” for national development across economic, political, and social sectors.
The proposed institution would offer both academic and professional programmes while serving as a centre for research in modern teaching methods.
Isah added that the bill aligns with Senate Standing Rule 76(3), which allows for legislative upgrades where necessary infrastructure is already in place.
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The proposal received broad support from lawmakers.
Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) called the bill “progressive” and stressed its importance to technical teacher development. “We will not succeed if there is no technical place to improve the knowledge of teachers,” he said.
Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) highlighted the national relevance of the proposed university, saying it would train educators from across the country and boost Nigeria’s overall education standards.
Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) also backed the proposal, calling it “timely” and “apt,” adding that it would address the ongoing shortage of qualified teachers.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further legislative review.
The committee is expected to submit its report within six weeks.