Opinion

By Dr Odiraa Nwankwor

Orumba Aguata Union (OAU) has a strong reason to pursue the conversion of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, into a university. The institution has served generations of students, and its elevation would create more opportunities for young people in Anambra State and beyond.

For years, Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Kaduna Polytechnic in the North and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in the Southeast have been important federal institutions for technical and professional education. President Bola Tinubu has recently assented to laws establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, and upgrading Kaduna Polytechnic to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna. Oko should also receive serious consideration.

Anambra currently has one federal university, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The case for expanding federal university opportunities in the state deserves serious consideration, particularly in view of the demand for higher education and the need to prepare young people for changing economic and technological demands.

Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has contributed to the training of technical and professional manpower for many years. Its conversion into a university could widen access to degree programmes, strengthen research and create additional opportunities for students.

As an Associate Professor, I understand the demands of higher education and the role universities play in training professionals, advancing research and preparing young people for the workplace. My connection to Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is also personal: both my parents worked at the institution. I therefore have a personal interest in seeing it grow and provide greater opportunities for future generations.

I am seeking election to represent Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027. If elected, I will pursue the conversion of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, through legislation.

The constitutional basis for this initiative is provided by Items 27 and 28 of Part I of the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended. These provisions empower the National Assembly to legislate on university and technological education and to establish institutions for those purposes. Section 58 sets out the process for passing federal legislation.

I will work with legislative drafters and education experts to prepare a bill providing for the establishment of the proposed university and the transition from the existing polytechnic. I will sponsor the bill in the House of Representatives, seek support from colleagues and press for its proper consideration by the relevant committee.

The committee should engage the National Universities Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, the institution’s management, staff, students, alumni and host communities. A public hearing would provide an opportunity to examine the proposal, address concerns and consider the funding, governance, academic programmes and transition arrangements required for a successful university.

Following consideration and passage by the House of Representatives, the bill must also pass the Senate. Both chambers must agree on the same text before it is presented to the President for assent in accordance with Section 58 of the Constitution.

I will reach out to lawmakers across all six geopolitical zones, irrespective of party affiliation. Support from Anambra and the Southeast alone will not be enough to secure passage. The proposal must be explained to colleagues from other parts of the country, their concerns heard and the merits of the initiative clearly demonstrated.

There may be objections relating to funding, competing educational priorities or the implications for other institutions. These concerns must be addressed through evidence, consultation and careful planning. The proposal must stand on a sound academic, financial and legal footing to earn the support needed in the National Assembly.

A motion can draw attention to the issue and help build support, but it cannot by itself convert the polytechnic into a university. That change requires legislation. My intention is to pursue the bill through the necessary stages and work towards its passage rather than allow the proposal to end with public declarations.

OAU can help sustain the demand by bringing together its members, traditional rulers, academics, professionals, alumni and community leaders. The effort must also involve relevant government agencies and other stakeholders whose cooperation will be important to the proposed university’s successful establishment.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. With the recent legislative developments concerning Yaba and Kaduna, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, deserves a fair and serious consideration of its own case for university status.

OAU deserves more. Anambra deserves a fair chance, and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, deserves a determined effort to secure the university status its supporters are seeking.

*Nwankwor is 2027 APGA House of Representatives candidate for Orumba North and South Federal Constituency