Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Tinubu, has been commended for assenting to three Bills proposing additional three tertiary institutions for the South-East.
Former House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Climate Change, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, who made the commendation, also applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his heroic role in facilitating the Bills.
He described the development as historic, and a major milestone in the efforts to provide opportunities for quality and affordable education to the youths.
Onuigbo who currently represents the South-East zone in the North-East Development Commission Board, noted that “by this singular legislative action, the two leaders have expanded access to tertiary institutions for young people in the South-East.”
Recall that President Tinubu recently signed into law, three Bills establishing federal tertiary institutions in the South-East.
While the Deputy Speaker sponsored two Bills for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences; and Federal College of Education, all in Bende, Abia State; “Kalu also strongly lobbied for assent for the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.” Onuigbo noted.
Onuigbo in a statement he personally signed, said the three new tertiary institutions would make a significant impact in the development of South-East.
He said: “This legislative achievement comes as a clear demonstration of Kalu’s visionary leadership, deep commitment to educational development, and dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the South-East and the nation at large.
“And for the President, I doff my heart for the expeditious assent to these timeless and transformative bills. In fact, by this act, Mr. President, you have once again demonstrated your administration’s commitment to inclusive development, nation-building, and the empowerment of our youth through education.”
Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the eighth and ninth National Assembly, maintained that the three new institutions would not only expand access to quality education, but also catalyse the socioeconomic growth in Abia and Imo States.
“Without doubt, Kalu’s legislative foresight and effective advocacy continue to inspire hope for a better future and sustainable progress for the younger generation.
“His understanding and collaboration with the Presidency have continued to pave the way for generations of Nigerians to access quality education.
“It is by creating such equal opportunities and striving to build a brighter future for the next generation that the nation’s greatness is assured. And, for this, I and all well-meaning people from the South-East are hugely grateful,” he stated.
Chief Onuigbo observed that with more young people getting access to quality education, crime wave would drastically drop across the country.
