'No new universities for 7 years' - Senate blocks bills after Tinubu's directive

The Senate has halted all legislation aimed at establishing new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the nation. This move aligns with the Federal Government's policy of prohibiting the creation of new tertiary institutions for the next five to seven years. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced this directive during a plenary session in Abuja, instructing the Clerk of the National Assembly and relevant committees to cease work on such bills.

Bamidele explained that the policy aims to bolster existing institutions before establishing new ones, urging senators to respect the government's stance and suspend bills seeking new universities in their constituencies.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio added that President Bola Tinubu personally discussed the matter with the National Assembly leadership. He stated that the President is not currently supportive of establishing new universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions, allowing existing ones to focus on infrastructure development and full academic activities.

Akpabio expressed concern over many recently established universities existing only on paper, lacking permanent sites or site clearance. He emphasized that forming a university is a significant national responsibility and should not be approached lightly, like setting up primary schools. The Federal Government has distributed tertiary institutions nationwide, and now consolidation of these investments is required.

Following the discussion, Akpabio directed the Clerk to ensure no bill for new tertiary institutions is listed on the Order Paper. The Senate then adjourned plenary until November 10, meaning over 200 bills currently before the National Assembly seeking the creation of new universities and polytechnics will be stalled or abandoned.