The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has sought the upgrade of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic in Ebonyi State to a University of Technology.

The Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, made this known during a public hearing on a bill to upgrade the polytechnic to a university on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Fulata said the process of upgrading the polytechnic to a university required inputs from the public and relevant stakeholders before the bill was passed into law.

He noted that the committee organised the hearing to allow all stakeholders and the general public an opportunity to contribute and add value to the bill to meet the aspirations of Nigerians when finally passed into law.

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The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, while declaring the public hearing open, urged the committee to do a thorough job and come forward with a reliable report.

Abbas, who was represented at the event by the House Deputy Minority Whip, Ibezimako Ozodinobi, said the need for access to quality education in Nigeria was imperative as it was the bedrock of development.

The sponsor of the bill, Iduma Igariwe, in his submission, noted that the upgrade of the polytechnic in Ebonyi State would not bring additional burden to the government.

The lawmaker stressed that it would rather enhance science and technology in the country which, he said, would result in rapid growth and development across different sectors of the economy.

The Star