Bills for the upgrade of Delta State University, Anwai Campus to autonomous university as well as the upgrade of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro and College of Education, Agbor to university status have passed second readings on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The motions for the second reading of the three education bills were moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Kenneth Oboro Preyor who also led debates on their merits.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who presided over the plenary, said the proposed institutions would create more frontiers for the advancement of the education sector in Delta State.
The three bills were forwarded to the State House of Assembly on Wednesday 27th January 2021 by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who solicited the cooperation of members for immediate legislative actions on the bills.
The bills are: Delta State University of Education, Agbor, Establishment Bill; Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Establishment Bill; and Delta State University of Science and Agriculture, Anwai-Asaba, Establishment Bill.
Opening debates on each of the proposed laws, the Deputy Majority leader of the House, Hon Oboro Preyor, described the bills as apt and timely, and commended the Governor, for his foresight and wisdom to upgrade the existing institutions to full degree awarding universities.
Hon. Preyor stated that the proposed upgrade of the Universities is aimed at advancing the course of learning in Delta State and beyond, stressing that the state government is preparing for better future for Deltans and humanity in general.
The Deputy Majority Leader explained that the bills are less contentious as they will go a long way in enhancing the educational needs of the teaming youth seeking university education in the state.
Hon. also Preyor said, it was gratifying to note that infrastructure and manpower required for smooth take-off of the institutions, as well as to get the necessary approvals from the National Universities Commission, NUC were available at the institutions.
Other lawmakers across the state unequivocally stated that the proposed universities would raise the educational status of the state.
They added that every qualified persons without
distinction of race, creed, sex or political affiliations would be beneficiaries of the proposed new universities.
The lawmakers further emphasized that with the increase in the number of universities in the state, it would be less stressful for the teaming youths to gain admission into degree awarding institutions.
They noted that specialized institutions are the latest global phenomenon geared towards revolutionizing several sectors of economies, and would help to propel the Okowa administration’s vision of ‘Delta State Beyond Oil’.
The motions for the second reading of the bills were unanimously adopted.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori commended the robust debates on the bills, and referred it to the House Committee on Education for scrutiny. He directed committee to submit the report on Tuesday, next week.