RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, has commended the Nigerian Senate for passing a bill seeking to provide a statutory framework for the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), in Akwa Ibom State.
Sampson, who sponsored the legislation, described its passage as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the institution’s legal foundation, improve its operations and position it to fulfil its mandate in technological education, research and human capital development.
The senator expressed appreciation following the consideration and passage of the bill during plenary, noting that the development represented an important step towards consolidating the university’s place within Nigeria’s federal tertiary education system.
FUTIA was established in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to expand access to specialised higher education and promote technological advancement.
The institution is expected to contribute to the development of skilled professionals, scientific research, innovation and technological solutions to challenges facing different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
SAMPSON PRAISES AKPABIO, SENATE COMMITTEE
Reacting to the legislative development, Sampson praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his leadership and support throughout the consideration of the bill.
He also commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Tertiary), Senator Muntari Dandutse, and other members of the committee for their contributions to the legislative process.
According to Sampson, the cooperation of his colleagues demonstrated the Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational institutions through legislation.
He expressed satisfaction that the bill had received the necessary legislative attention, describing the development as beneficial to the university, Akwa Ibom State and the country.
The lawmaker maintained that institutions specialising in science and technology had an important role to play in equipping young Nigerians with practical knowledge and skills relevant to modern economic development.
FUTIA TO EXPAND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary, Senator Dandutse emphasised the importance of specialised tertiary institutions in expanding access to technology-focused education.
He explained that universities such as FUTIA could help meet the growing demand for technical expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for scientific and industrial development.
The committee chairman noted that the establishment and development of specialised universities would create additional opportunities for Nigerians seeking advanced education in engineering, applied sciences and other technology-related disciplines.
The initiative is also expected to support research, innovation and the training of professionals capable of contributing to national development.
FUTIA’s location in Ikot Abasi is considered significant for Akwa Ibom South, where the institution has the potential to support educational access, local economic activities and skills development.
AKPABIO HIGHLIGHTS UNIVERSITY’S NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POTENTIAL
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, also spoke on the importance of the institution and its potential contributions to technological advancement.
Akpabio noted that FUTIA could develop into an institution whose academic and research contributions extend beyond Nigeria.
He commended members of the 10th Senate for supporting legislation aimed at improving educational opportunities and strengthening the country’s tertiary education system.
The Senate President’s remarks underscored the importance of sustained legislative attention to institutions that support science, technology and innovation.
SAMPSON PUSHES OTHER EDUCATION BILLS FOR AKWA IBOM SOUTH
The passage of the FUTIA bill forms part of Senator Sampson’s broader legislative efforts to promote educational development within Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.
The senator has also sponsored a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Eket.
The proposed institution is intended to expand opportunities for medical education and support the training of healthcare professionals.
The bill remains under consideration in the Senate.
Sampson has also continued to advocate the elevation of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, to full university status.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening specialised maritime education and supporting the development of professionals for Nigeria’s maritime and related industries.
These legislative efforts reflect the senator’s emphasis on improving access to specialised tertiary education across different parts of the senatorial district.
SENATOR SUPPORTS FUTIA INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Beyond his legislative interventions, Sampson has undertaken infrastructural support initiatives at the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi.
Among the projects attributed to the senator is the construction of a school block intended to improve the institution’s learning environment and support its growing academic activities.
Additional interventions are also reported to be ongoing as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s infrastructure.
The senator’s involvement in the institution’s development reflects his stated commitment to combining legislative advocacy with practical educational support.
SENATE PASSAGE MARKS IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE STAGE
The passage of the bill by the Senate represents an important stage in establishing a statutory framework for FUTIA.
However, Senate passage alone does not make the bill an Act of the National Assembly.
For the legislation to become law, the necessary legislative processes must be completed, including agreement by both chambers of the National Assembly and presidential assent, unless otherwise provided under the Constitution.
The development nevertheless represents progress towards strengthening the legal framework governing the university.
For Akwa Ibom South, the bill’s advancement is expected to reinforce efforts to develop Ikot Abasi as a centre for technological education and research.
Sampson expressed optimism about the university’s future, maintaining that sustained support from government, educational stakeholders and the wider community would help the institution fulfil its objectives.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to promoting educational opportunities, institutional development and initiatives capable of improving the long-term prospects of young people across Akwa Ibom South and Nigeria.
