The House of Representatives at the plenary Thursday passed through second reading, a Bill seeking for an act to establish Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Imo State.
The proposed legislation sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere was presented for second reading by the House leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the Bill seeks to provide the necessary legal and administrative framework to formalize the status of the university, ensuring that it functions efficiently under a clearly defined law, governance structure and academic model that meets national and international standards.
The objectives include, “Providing statutory backing for the existence of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education to ensure its full recognition as a federally established institution, Strengthening the governance and administrative structure of the university to enhance its effectiveness in teacher training and higher education, Enhancing Teacher Training and Development by ensuring the university plays a crucial role in preparing highly qualified educators for Nigeria’s evolving educational landscape, Advancing Research and Innovation in Education by fostering a culture of academic inquiry, technological advancement, and policy development in teacher education, Promoting Educational Equity and Inclusion by making provisions for increased access to higher education, especially for underrepresented groups in the teaching profession and Aligning with National and International Education Standards by ensuring the university’s curriculum and operations meet global best practices, improving the quality of education in Nigeria.”
The sponsors expressed optimism that the passage of the Bill into law will bring several benefits, including providing students with broader academic opportunities, enabling them to obtain bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education and other disciplines.
When put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session, it was supported by the lawmakers and passed.
