Senate Progresses Bills to Establish Kogi Medical University and Special Education Institutions

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading two important bills aimed at establishing new specialised universities in the country. These include the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Egbe, in Kogi State, and the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo.

The bill for the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Egbe was reintroduced by Senator Karimi Sunday (APC, Kogi-West) during the 10th Senate after it was initially passed by the 9th Senate but not signed into law before the end of its tenure. The bill seeks to establish a medical institution in Kogi to enhance the country’s medical training capabilities.

In a separate bill sponsored by Senator Akintunde Abiodun (APC, Oyo-Central), the Senate also debated the creation of the Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo, which would focus on providing specialised education for both individuals with disabilities and others who want to acquire specific skills. Senator Abiodun explained that Nigeria currently lacks a specialised institution of this nature, despite the growing demand for such educational services.

Supporting the bill, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano-North) stressed the importance of providing specialised education, noting that similar institutions exist in other parts of the world but are absent in Nigeria. He stated, “We need to make adequate preparations for teaching the disabled, and this university will train those who will go on to teach people with disabilities.”

In addition, the Senate passed for second reading the bill to establish the Federal College of Education (Special), Karate, sponsored by Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu (NNPP, Kano-South). This bill aims to create a college to cater to the specific needs of those requiring specialised education.

Other senators, including Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo-North), Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom-South), and Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi-Central), voiced their support for the bills, highlighting the importance of specialised institutions in fostering inclusivity and unlocking the potential of individuals with disabilities. Oshiomhole noted, “There is ability in disability,” citing Nigeria’s recent success in the Paralympic Games as proof of how much value people with disabilities can contribute to national development.

These bills are part of the Senate’s efforts to expand access to quality and inclusive education in Nigeria.