On Thursday, February 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu took a significant step in advancing Nigeria’s educational landscape by signing two bills into law. The bills establish two new specialized institutions: the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State, and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The president expressed that the new universities would play a key role in addressing the educational needs of the nation, focusing on critical fields such as agriculture, science, and technology. “These institutions will serve as breeding grounds for professionals in agriculture, science, and technology,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. “They will contribute to driving research and innovation, ultimately supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”
The National Universities Commission (NUC) reports that Nigeria currently has 63 approved federal universities, 63 state universities, and 149 private universities. With the creation of these two new institutions, the president aims to expand and diversify the country’s academic infrastructure to better meet the evolving demands of the job market and technological advancement.
The new universities will focus on specialized fields, enhancing the nation’s ability to meet the challenges of global economic competition. By providing world-class training in agriculture, science, and technology, the institutions will contribute to developing skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and sustainable development across Nigeria.
In a related move, President Tinubu also approved the creation of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni town, Tai, Rivers State. The establishment of this university was confirmed earlier this month, and it is expected to complement the federal government’s broader strategy of developing specialized academic institutions to address specific environmental and technological challenges.
Furthermore, the president has given consent to the Federal Government’s acquisition of a forfeited private university in Southern Kaduna. This university will be transformed into a federal institution, further expanding Nigeria’s higher education opportunities in underserved regions.
