Godswill Akpabio, Senate President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, in Lagos State, thereby overriding a seven-year federal ban on the creation of new tertiary institutions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval during Thursday’s plenary, confirming that the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe (Establishment) Bill 2025 had been signed into law. He congratulated the people of Epe and Lagos State, describing the move as part of the administration’s effort to expand access to specialised higher education.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, states that the university will focus on science and technology courses, including Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Engineering, as well as Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Data Science.
The development follows a Federal Executive Council decision in August to impose a seven-year freeze on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, aimed at addressing underutilisation, inadequate infrastructure, and declining academic standards.
Efforts to clarify why the President approved the new university despite the moratorium were unsuccessful. The Education Ministry said a response would be provided after further consultation.
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