Rep Onuigbo applauds Tinubu, Kalu for signing landmark education bills in South-East

Member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for their pivotal roles in the signing of three new higher education bills that will benefit the South-East region.

In a statement issued on Monday, Onuigbo described the move as a “momentous legislative achievement” that will significantly expand access to tertiary education for young people in the zone. He commended President Tinubu for giving assent to the bills and lauded Kalu for his legislative leadership and unwavering commitment to education development in the region.

Two of the bills, establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences and the Federal College of Education—both located in Bende, Abia State—were sponsored by Kalu. He also lobbied strongly for the establishment of the Federal University in Okigwe, Imo State.

Onuigbo, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, declared: “This legislative achievement comes as a clear demonstration of Kalu’s visionary leadership, deep commitment to educational development, and dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the South East and the nation at large.

“An for the President, I doff my heart for the expeditious assent to these timeless and transformative bills. In fact, by this act, Mr. President, you have once again demonstrated your administration’s commitment to inclusive development, nation-building, and the empowerment of our youth through education.”

Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the Eighth and Ninth National Assembly, maintained that the three new institutions will not only expand access to quality education, but also catalyse the socioeconomic growth in Abia and Imo States.

“Without doubt, Kalu’s legislative foresight and effective advocacy continue to inspire hope for a better future and sustainable progress for the younger generation. His understanding and collaboration with the Presidency have continued to pave the way for generations of Nigerians to access quality education.

“It is by creating such equal opportunities and striving to build a brighter future for the next generation that the nation’s greatness is assured. And, for this, I and all well-meaning people from the South East are hugely grateful,” he stated.

Onuigbo, who is also the sponsor of Nigeria’s signature legislation, the Climate Change Act, generally known as Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act 2021, noted that what President Tinubu and Kalu have done through the new institutions prepares a greater number of younger Nigerians for the rapidly expanding global knowledge economy.

The Chairman of Security and Climate Change Committee on the NEDC Governing Board, further observed that with more and more young people getting access to quality education, the nation would be assured of qualitative home-grown and adaptive solutions to various socio-economic challenges associated with climate change and food insecurity.