Tinubu’s Approval Of FUTI Bill: A Milestone For Educational Advancement

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – As part of his commitment to educational development under the All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed into law the bill establishing the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro in Ogun State to a full-fledged Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI).

The announcement of the bill’s signing was made on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He commended President Tinubu for this historic decision and congratulated Senator Olamilekan Adeola, (representing Ogun West at the National Assembly), the bill’s sponsor, alongside the people of Ogun West and the entire Ogun State.

The bill, which passed its third reading in the National Assembly in October 2024, marks a crucial step in expanding educational opportunities in the region.

With President Tinubu’s assent, the long-anticipated upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has now been formally accomplished.

Extending his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the official upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, also commended Aremo (Senator) Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for his unwavering determination and pivotal role, along with other members of the National Assembly, in ensuring the successful passage of the bill that led to the upgrade.

The monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, said their relentless efforts, paved the way for the President’s assent to the transformative legislation.

Oba Olugbenle described President Tinubu’s decision as a bold step toward advancing technological education and empowering Nigerian youths.

He further praised the President’s visionary leadership and foresight, affirming that the development would stimulate innovation, youth empowerment, and socio-economic growth across the country.

Oba Olugbenle emphasized that the elevation from polytechnic to university status is not merely a change in title but a significant leap in academic potential and regional development.

“The elevation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, to a University of Technology, Ilaro is more than a change in nomenclature; it marks the opening of new doors for our youths and communities”, Kabiyesi stated.

The monarch also extended his gratitude to members of the National Assembly for their unified support in facilitating the legislative process.

The establishment of FUTI is expected to broaden access to quality technical education and catalyze economic development in Ogun West – an area widely known as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.

It will be recalled that efforts to elevate the polytechnic to university status began in 2016 during the 8th National Assembly under Senate President Bukola Saraki. Although the bill passed the Senate at that time, it failed to secure concurrence from the House of Representatives.

The bill resurfaced during the 9th National Assembly under Senate President Ahmed Lawan and was again passed by both chambers. However, it did not receive presidential assent from then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on the achievement, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, who represents Ogun West, expressed his gratitude, “Today, I am glad that in the 10th National Assembly, my dream – dating back nearly a decade – has been realized under President Tinubu.”

One of the strongest arguments for the polytechnic’s upgrade was the institution’s superior infrastructure and personnel, which surpass those of several newly established federal and state universities.

This made Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro an ideal candidate for elevation to university status.