Tinubu Signs Ben Kalu’s Bills Establishing Two New Tertiary Institutions in Abia State, One in Imo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law three significant education bills, two of which establish new tertiary institutions in Abia State. The bills, sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, provide for the creation of the Federal College of Education, Bende and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, both in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Additionally, the President signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University, Okigwe in Imo State, which Kalu also championed through legislative lobbying efforts.

A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu, described the development as a major step toward addressing educational gaps in the South East region. The newly established institutions are expected to offer broad academic and research opportunities aimed at national development and regional advancement.

The Federal College of Education, Bende, will offer full-time academic programs in technology, applied sciences, commerce, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management. The institution will also engage in research and innovations to adapt modern teaching and learning techniques. The law also provides for the appointment of a provost and other administrative officers to oversee academic and student affairs.

The Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, is designed to offer undergraduate and graduate programs across various health-related fields. It aims to become a hub for advanced medical research, healthcare policy development, and high-quality healthcare education to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.

The third institution, Federal University, Okigwe, will serve the educational needs of Imo State and the South East at large, offering a wide range of academic disciplines and promoting research and innovation.

Reacting to the signing of the bills, Kalu expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the assent, as well as to the Senate, House of Representatives colleagues, and Nigerians for their support. He described the new laws as a “milestone for education and regional development,” and urged continued support for the Tinubu-led administration to sustain the delivery of democratic dividends.

“These institutions will not only uplift the education sector but will also contribute to socio-economic growth and improve the quality of life for our people,” Kalu stated.