Senate advances bill for YABATECH’s transition to varsity status
The Senate on Tuesday passed the second reading of a bill aimed at converting the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025,” was sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central).
During the debate, Bamidele emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “The Bill became necessary to give legal backing to the conversion of the school to a University through fiat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” This conversion was previously approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who noted that YABATECH is ready to transition into a full-fledged university.
Bamidele expressed excitement about the transformation, saying, “I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic into a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff.” He highlighted the institution’s readiness to adapt to its new status and continue producing skilled manpower to meet national demands.
The Senate unanimously supported the bill, leading to its referral to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative work, with a report due in four weeks.
On the same day, the Senate also passed a bill to establish the Nigeria Police University of Science and Technology in Erinja, Ogun State, aiming to enhance law enforcement education and contribute to local economic growth.
Additionally, a bill was approved to amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, establishing the Federal University of Agriculture in Kura, Kano State, further addressing the educational needs of the country.
Source: The Nation
