The Nigerian Senate has passed two bills seeking to establish new federal universities in Delta and Cross River states as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen agricultural and teacher training in the country.
The proposed institutions are the Federal University of Agriculture in Orogun, Delta State, and the Federal University of Education in Obudu, Cross River State.
The bills were passed on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after senators considered and adopted reports presented by the relevant Senate committees responsible for agricultural colleges, tertiary institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The proposed Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun, is expected to promote agricultural education, improve farming practices and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Presenting the committee’s report on the bill, Senator Anthony Ani, who represents Ebonyi South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the proposed institution would support agricultural growth and national development.
Ani presented the report on behalf of the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.
He explained that the committee had carefully examined the bill and found it consistent with the required legislative standards. The committee subsequently recommended its passage, highlighting the importance of strengthening agricultural education and supporting farming-related activities across the country.
The second bill seeks to establish the Federal University of Education in Obudu, Cross River State, to improve teacher education and provide more opportunities for higher learning.
Presenting the report on the proposed university, Senator Muntari Dandutse, who represents Katsina South Senatorial District under the APC, said the institution would help address the growing demand for qualified teachers in Nigeria.
Dandutse disclosed that the Senate committee responsible for the bill had conducted a public hearing in May 2025, during which stakeholders expressed support for the establishment of the university.
According to him, the proposal would transform the existing Federal College of Education in Obudu into a university.
The arrangement would allow the proposed institution to build on the college’s existing facilities, infrastructure and workforce, while expanding its capacity to provide university-level education.
He added that the institution would offer educational opportunities without discrimination based on race, religious beliefs, sex or political opinions.
Following the presentation of the reports, senators considered the bills clause by clause during a Committee of the Whole session. They examined and adopted the relevant clauses, schedules and other provisions contained in the proposed legislation.
Both bills subsequently passed their third reading after lawmakers approved them through voice votes during plenary.
The passage of the bills marks a legislative step towards establishing the two institutions, although the required remaining legal and administrative processes must be completed before they can formally begin operating as federal universities.
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