A member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for their roles in expanding access to higher education in the South-East through the establishment of new federal institutions.
President Tinubu recently signed into law three bills establishing tertiary institutions in the region—two of which were sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu. These include the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, the Federal College of Education, both located in Bende, Abia State, and the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State, for which Kalu also lobbied strongly.
In a statement personally signed and made available to journalists, Onuigbo—a two-term federal lawmaker who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency—described the legislative breakthrough as “momentous,” and commended both leaders for demonstrating a deep commitment to youth empowerment and national development.
“This legislative achievement comes as a clear demonstration of Kalu’s visionary leadership, deep commitment to educational development, and dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the South-East and the nation at large,” Onuigbo said.
He further commended President Tinubu for promptly assenting to the bills, calling the move “timeless and transformative.”
“In fact, by this act, Mr. President, you have once again demonstrated your administration’s commitment to inclusive development, nation-building, and the empowerment of our youth through education,” he added.
Onuigbo noted that the three new institutions will not only broaden access to quality education in Abia and Imo States, but also act as catalysts for socio-economic development in the region.
“Without doubt, Kalu’s legislative foresight and effective advocacy continue to inspire hope for a better future. His collaborative approach with the Presidency is paving the way for future generations to access the education they deserve,” he said.
Onuigbo—who is also the sponsor of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act of 2021, popularly referred to as the Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act—emphasized that this expansion in educational opportunities is crucial in preparing young Nigerians for participation in the global knowledge economy.
As Chairman of the Security and Climate Change Committee on the NEDC Governing Board, he stressed that increasing youth access to education would equip the country with home-grown and adaptive solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and other socio-economic challenges.
“It is by creating equal opportunities and building a brighter future for the next generation that the nation’s greatness is assured. And for this, I and all well-meaning people from the South-East are immensely grateful,” Onuigbo concluded