The Senate has passed two landmark bills establishing two new federal tertiary institutions in the South-South geopolitical zone to expand access to specialized higher education and foster regional academic development.
The legislation provides formal statutory backing for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun in Delta State, and the Federal University of Education, Obudu in Cross River State.
The passage of both bills followed the clause-by-clause consideration and adoption of the reports submitted by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND during plenary on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Institution NameFocus / SpecializationProposed LocationStateFederal University of Agriculture, OrogunAgricultural Sciences, Technology & Agronomy OrogunDelta StateFederal University of Education, ObuduTeacher Training, Pedagogy & Educational ResearchObuduCross River State
Presenting the reports on the floor of the Senate, lawmakers highlighted that establishing specialized universities aligns with national manpower development goals:
Promoting Specialization: The Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun aims to drive research in modern agronomy, food security, and agricultural engineering to boost domestic food production.
Strengthening Teacher Education: The Federal University of Education, Obudu is structured to address critical teacher shortages by producing professional educators for basic and secondary schools.
Inclusive Access to Education: Senate committee members emphasized that establishing the institutions will broaden tertiary admission capacity for qualified candidates without discrimination based on race, gender, political conviction, or social status.
Following the Senate's approval, clean copies of the passed bills will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for executive assent.
Once signed into law, the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) will commence administrative protocols for infrastructural development, academic accreditation, and initial intake scheduling.