The bill for the establishment of The Federal University of Technology Asaba, sponsored by the Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State, Hon. Godwin Ndudi Elumelu, is one bill too important to the entire South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. This stemmed from the fact that given geographical spread, the bill, if passed into law, would ensure the establishment of first Federal University of Technology in the zone.

Essentially, it calls for emphasis, government attention to technological skills, which are in high demand to move the nation forward towards meeting 21st century development that is the pride of the Western countries and Europe.

So, in essence, with the bill, Hon. Elumelu is basically thinking of promoting vocational skills at tertiary level, to largely address the perennial issue of government inability to provide employment to the teaming population of University graduates produced yearly and also, build a pool of qualified skilled personnel that would be ready always to fill any gap in the technological manpower needs of the country.

Again, the passing of the bill into law and subsequent establishment of the tertiary institution, would be another unique opportunity to address the chronic problem of University admissions in the country, that have left so many qualified candidates unabsorbed into the school system due to limited chance.

Further, it is a big opportunity to create an encompassing employment for many in different fields of human endeavour, starting from teaching and non teaching staff, to skilled and unskilled labour, as well as allied medium and small scale businesses that form integral part of life in a university environment.

Consequent upon this all important bill, it behooves on the state governments of the south-south geopolitical zone, traditional leaders, religious leaders, educational organizations, public opinion experts, private agencies and highly influential individuals, irrespective of political leaning, to pull their human and material resources together to support the bill, which benefit would be of immense benefit to the zone.

Meanwhile, many thanks to Hon. Godwin Ndudi Elumelu for sponsoring the bill for the establishment of Federal University of Technology, Asaba. Certainly, this is people oriented bill and a justification of the votes given to him to serve humanity.

By Onyenibedi Patrick