The member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu has said that the need to grant full statutory recognition to Alvan Ikoku University of Education aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and creating more pathways for academic and vocational training.
He made the statement while leading the debate on the Bill for an Act to establish the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, for the promotion and development of teachers’ education, make comprehensive provision for management and administration of the University and for related matters, seeks to provide the necessary legal and administrative framework to formalize the status of the university, ensuring that it functions efficiently under a clearly defined law, governance structure and academic model that meets national and international standards.
In his argument in favour of the Bill, Hon. Ikenga Imo said: “Mr. Speaker and my esteemed colleagues, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) grants the National Assembly the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the country, including laws concerning education. Furthermore, the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act empowers the Federal Government to establish and regulate Universities to enhance educational access and quality.
“Nigeria’s education sector continues to grapple with significant challenges, including teacher shortages, outdated training methodologies, and limited access to quality higher education. By granting statutory backing to the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, the government will be taking a major step toward resolving the identified challenges in our education sector. A fully recognized Federal University of Education will provide the necessary structure to train competent educators, improve research in pedagogy, and enhance educational policies that will elevate Nigeria’s education system to global standards.
“The judiciary has long recognized the importance of legislative intervention in advancing national development, particularly in education. In Attorney General of Bendel State v. Attorney General of the Federation (1983) 1 SCNLR 1, the Supreme Court underscored the critical role of legislative action in promoting education as a public good. The ruling reaffirmed the National Assembly’s authority to establish Universities and other institutions of higher learning to address national educational needs. Similarly, in Attorney General of Lagos State v. Attorney General of the Federation (2003), the court emphasized the constitutional power of the Federal Government to regulate education and ensure national education standards are upheld.
“Comparatively, countries such as Finland, Canada, and the United Kingdom have successfully transformed their teacher training colleges into full-fledged universities of education, leading to significant improvements in teacher quality and student performance. Nigeria must follow suit if it intends to remain competitive in global education rankings and produce educators who meet 21st-century teaching and learning demands.
“Moreover, this Bill aligns with global efforts to promote educational inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups. Establishing this university will create academic pathways for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that they can access high-quality education and training in teaching. This will, in turn, foster social mobility and national cohesion, ensuring that Nigeria’s education system is not only inclusive but also equitable and accessible to all.
“Mr. Speaker, this Bill further aligns with the Social Sector Reform and Development Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, as stipulated in Agenda 5 of our Legislative Agenda which says: “Where necessary, legislation will ensure access to quality education, improve infrastructure of learning institutions and teacher quality, and foster digital learning and technical education in Nigeria’s educational system.”
“By passing this Bill into law, the National Assembly will not only be strengthening the legal framework of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri Imo State, but also advancing the national goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive educational development.”
