Abuja, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a clarion call for increased investment in human capital development, emphasizing that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads in its national journey and must prepare its citizens to meet 21st-century challenges with the right skills and knowledge.
Speaking through the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, at a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on Monday, Akpabio described education and human capital as the “bedrock of national transformation.”
The hearing, held in Abuja, focused on six bills proposing the establishment or amendment of specialized federal universities across various states, including:
- Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State
- Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
- Federal University of Geomatics, Oyo
- Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State
- Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State (Amendment)
“Our population continues to grow, and so must our investments in human capital,” Akpabio said.
“We must ensure that these institutions are not only established but are sustainable, well-funded, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the 21st-century learner.”
The Senate President highlighted the significance of universities focused on technology, health sciences, education, and vocational studies, noting their potential to produce a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, supporting critical sectors, and addressing specialized national needs.
“The inclusion of niche institutions like the proposed University of Education (Special), Oyo, and the University of Geomatics reflects our commitment to inclusive and future-ready education,” he added.
Preparing for the Future of Work
Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC–Katsina), stressed the urgency for Nigeria to evolve alongside global technological trends, including the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare and other fields.
“Mainstream medical practices are giving way to advanced technologies,” Dandutse said.
“As these changes take hold, it is imperative we prepare our educational institutions and workforce accordingly.”
Dandutse, who sponsored the bill for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, said that Nigeria must act fast to stay globally competitive and reduce potential job losses due to automation.
Advancing Inclusive Education
Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC–Oyo) also contributed to the discourse, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education through the proposed Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo.
“This institution aims to provide a just and robust educational system for all Nigerians — especially people with disabilities,” Akintunde stated.
“It builds on the legacy of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, the only one of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.”
According to Akintunde, the bills he sponsored represent institutional upgrades, not new creations from scratch — offering a cost-effective path to expanding Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
Renewed Hope in Action
Senate President Akpabio’s remarks align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which emphasizes human capital development, inclusive growth, and innovation-driven education as critical drivers of national prosperity.
“This is a moment to invest not just in buildings, but in people — in their minds, their futures, and their potential to shape a greater Nigeria,” Akpabio affirmed.
As the Senate deliberates on these key educational bills, the message from its leadership is clear: building a prosperous Nigeria begins with investing in its people.
