Senate okays bill seeking to upgrade Yaba Tech to varsity status

The Senate, on Thursday, passed the City University of
Technology (Est., etc.) Yaba Bill, 2018 for second reading.

The decision followed a motion by Senator Gbenga Ashafa
(APC-Lagos) at the plenary presided over by Senate President Bukola
Saraki in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill essentially
sought to transform the Yaba College Technology (YabaTech) in Lagos
State to the City University of Technology Yaba.

Leading the debate, Ashafa, who represents Lagos East Senatorial
District, argued that if the bill is considered, it would enhance
the capability of the institution to achieve its objectives.

“Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the
shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction
of this bill.

“I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this
polytechnic to a university of technology because it will motivate
both the students and the academic staff.

“It will also upgrade the facilities and enhance its capability
to achieve its objectives.

“Similarly, the new university of technology will encourage the
advancement of learning and hold out to all persons without
distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the
opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education,” he
said.

Citing instances, the lawmaker noted that in similar
circumstances in the United Kingdom, most of the polytechnics were
upgraded to universities.

“If Nigeria has plans to become one of the world’s leading
economies as currently being pursued by government, we must be
ready to adjust and position our educational institutions so that
its products are geared for the technological challenges inherent
in such projections,” he said.

According to him, the attainment of university status would
definitely enhance the operations of the Yaba Polytechnic and
clarify its mission and vision.

Lawmakers, who contributed to the motion, also supported it.

When the motion was put on a voice vote, it was unanimously
adopted by the legislators.

Saraki, therefore, referred the bill to Senate Committee on
Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative action
and report back within a week.

Similarly, the Senate also passed a Bill for the Establishment
of Federal Polytechnic Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki Lagos, sponsored by
Ashafa for second reading.

(NAN)

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!