Senate passes FUTIA establishment bill
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, 15 October 2026, passed the bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, paving the way for the institution to receive full statutory backing.
Reacting to the passage of the FUTIA Establishment Bill, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, described the development as “the best gift of the year” from the National Assembly to the institution.
…VC hails NASS, Senator Sampson, stakeholders
Etim Ekpimah
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, 15 October 2026, passed the bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, paving the way for the institution to receive full statutory backing.
Reacting to the passage of the FUTIA Establishment Bill, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, described the development as “the best gift of the year” from the National Assembly to the institution.
According to a statement issued on Thursday evening by Mr Peter Saturday of the FUTIA Information and Public Relations Directorate, Prof. Daniel said the passage of the bill would provide the legal and statutory framework required to strengthen the university’s administrative and operational structures and advance its mandate to promote technology-driven education, research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
On behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff and students, Daniel thanked the Federal Government for establishing the university in June 2021. He also commended the leadership of the National Assembly, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for their roles in facilitating the legislative process.
The vice-chancellor particularly praised Senator Ekong Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, for sponsoring the bill.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other key stakeholders, including Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, as well as individuals, groups and host communities that supported the bill, particularly those who submitted memoranda during the public hearing.
Daniel, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics, commended the Senate for its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational system and thanked the National Assembly for the legislative process that culminated in the bill’s passage.
The passage of the FUTIA Establishment Bill 2024 completes the legislative process at the National Assembly. The Federal Government established the university in June 2021, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The bill is expected to be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent, the final step in its enactment into law.
