The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, has moved closer to securing full statutory recognition following the passage of its establishment bill by the Nigerian Senate.
The Senate passed the FUTIA Establishment Bill 2024 on Thursday, October 15, 2026, completing the National Assembly’s legislative process and paving the way for the bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The development was welcomed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, who described the Senate’s action as “the best gift of the year” to the institution.
In a statement issued by FUTIA’s Information and Public Relations Directorate, Daniel said the passage would provide the legal and statutory foundation required to strengthen the university’s administration, operations and academic mandate.
Established by the Federal Government in June 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, FUTIA is designed to advance technology-based education, research and innovation in support of Nigeria’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor said the passage of the bill marked a significant step towards consolidating the university’s institutional framework and expanding its capacity to fulfil its specialised mandate.
Daniel, who is a professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, for their roles in the legislative process.
He particularly acknowledged Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, for sponsoring the bill.
The Vice-Chancellor also recognised the contributions of Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, other stakeholders, host communities and individuals and groups that submitted memoranda in support of the bill during the public hearing.
He commended the National Assembly for concluding the legislative process, noting that the outcome would help establish a firmer legal basis for the university’s development.
With the Senate’s approval, the next major step is presidential assent, which would complete the process of giving the university its establishment law.
The university management expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for establishing FUTIA and to all those who contributed to securing legislative backing for the institution.
