The legal processes for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Odukpani, Cross River State, began on Tuesday, with the first reading of a bill to that effect, on the floor of the senate.
The bill is sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents the Cross River South Senatorial District.
Ekpenyong is reputed for the sponsorship of critical bills and motions since he got into the senate, some 22 months ago.
It was his bill that resulted in the establishment of the South South Development Commission.
Already, a board for the commission has been set up, after the president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had accented to it, following its passage by the senate.
In conceptualising the new university, Ekpenyong said the new institution aimed to bring a cutting-edge institution of higher learning to Odukpani, with a view to catalysing the socio-economic development and empowerment of future generation of leaders.
Ekpenyong’s passion for education has been palpable. For example, he is known to have offered personal scholarships to his constituents, while also assisting many of them to secure foreign scholarships from some federal government agencies.
The Federal University of Technology, when established, will not only serve as a centre for technological innovation and academic excellence, but also as a catalyst for economic revitalisation, not only in Cross River and the south south, but also in the country.
