The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Science, Deba, in Gombe State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, a former Governor of Gombe State, was debated during plenary on Tuesday.
Leading the debate, Senator Goje underscored the university’s strategic importance to the socio-economic development of Gombe State, the North East region, and Nigeria at large.
“The proposed University of Science will provide the knowledge and expertise needed to drive modern scientific innovations in Nigeria. As outlined in the bill, the university’s objectives include imparting scientific knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experience particularly in professional disciplines with a global mindset, using critical thinking and problem-solving approaches,” he said.
He further argued that Nigeria’s development aspirations required the expansion of specialized universities to foster economic, scientific, and technological competitiveness.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi) backed the bill, describing Senator Goje as “the architect of modern Gombe.” He emphasized that the proposed university would serve not only Gombe State but also the entire North East region and the country.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, described the proposed legislation as people-centered and deserving of collective support.
The bill was thereafter referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, chaired by Senator Muntari Dandutse, for further legislative scrutiny.
