House of Representatives defies FEC’s moratorium, approves bills to establish four new federal universities in Borno, Imo, Kaduna, and Kano states

House of Representatives new universities have been approved despite the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) directive halting the creation of new tertiary institutions for the next seven years.

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In what appears to be a direct challenge to the Federal Government’s recent moratorium, the House of Representatives on Tuesday endorsed the establishment of four new federal universities in Borno, Imo, Kaduna, and Kano States.

This followed the adoption of reports on four bills presented by the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC–Jigawa).

The proposed institutions include:

Federal University of Technology, Kaduna (to replace the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna)

Federal University, Biu, Borno (to replace the Nigerian Army University, Biu)

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri

Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano

Presenting the report, Fulata said the universities would enhance access to higher education and promote specialised learning in science, technology, and teacher education.

He explained that the Federal University of Technology, Kaduna, would provide training and instruction in applied sciences, administration, and discipline, while the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, would focus on the development of teacher education and academic research.

The move by the House comes barely two months after the Federal Executive Council announced a seven-year moratorium on establishing new federal tertiary institutions.

At the time, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, said the pause was necessary to allow the government to strengthen existing institutions through improved infrastructure, enhanced staff capacity, and better funding.

However, the House’s latest decision underscores growing legislative interest in expanding Nigeria’s higher education network, despite concerns over funding and sustainability.

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In line with parliamentary procedure, the bills will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence and subsequently to the President for assent before becoming law.