Itodo Ugbede Ankpa
The Senator representing Kogi East, Isah Jibrin (Echocho), has led the debate on a critical piece of legislation — the Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Education, Ankpa, Kogi State (SB. 716) — aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s teacher education and training capacity.
The bill, which passed first reading on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, seeks to upgrade the existing State College of Education, Ankpa, to a full-fledged Federal University of Education. Leading the debate on the floor of the Senate, Senator Jibrin emphasized the role of education in national development, stressing the need for specialized teacher training institutions.
Quoting the National Policy on Education (1981), which states that “education is the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its economic, political, and social systems,” Senator Jibrin said the proposed university would focus on equipping a new generation of professional educators to meet the dynamic needs of Nigeria’s educational system.
“The Federal University of Education, Ankpa, will not only promote academic and professional programs but will also lead research and innovation in curriculum development and modern teaching methodologies,” he said.
He outlined the objectives of the proposed university, which include: Promoting inclusive and non-discriminatory learning opportunities; Awarding degrees and diplomas in education and related disciplines; Conducting adaptive research to improve Nigeria’s educational delivery; Training and retraining teachers as part of broader national human resource development.
According to him, the existing College of Education in Anpa already boasts affiliations with six Nigerian universities and operates a range of degree programs — making the transition to a university feasible without heavy financial implications.
Senator Jibrin noted that the proposed legislation complies with Order 76(3) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended), as the institution’s foundational infrastructure is already in place.
He concluded by appealing to his colleagues to support the passage of the bill, saying:
“The enactment of this bill will boost the quality of teacher education, address the rising demand for qualified educators, and support balanced educational growth across the North Central region.”
The bill is expected to proceed to the next legislative stage following Senate deliberations.
In a remark, president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate committee on Tetfund and Tertiary education to return back in six weeks.
