The Nigerian Senate has passed two bills seeking to establish new federal universities in Delta and Cross River states to expand access to higher education and strengthen agricultural and teacher education.

The proposed institutions are the Federal University of Agriculture in Orogun, Delta State, and the Federal University of Education in Obudu, Cross River State. The bills passed their third reading on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after senators considered and adopted their respective provisions.

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Presenting the report on the proposed Federal University of Agriculture, Orogun, Senator Anthony Ani, representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, said the institution would contribute to agricultural development and promote improved farming practices in Nigeria.

Ani, who presented the report on behalf of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, said the committee had examined the bill and found it consistent with legislative drafting requirements. The committee consequently recommended its passage to strengthen agricultural education and support national development.

The second bill seeks to establish the Federal University of Education in Obudu by converting the existing Federal College of Education in the community into a university.

Presenting the report, Senator Muntari Dandutse, representing Katsina South Senatorial District, said the proposed institution would help address the growing demand for qualified teachers while expanding opportunities for higher education.

Dandutse disclosed that the relevant Senate committee had conducted a public hearing on the proposal in May 2025, where stakeholders expressed support for the establishment of the university. He added that the conversion would enable the institution to build on its existing facilities, infrastructure and workforce.

During plenary, senators considered the bills clause by clause at the Committee of the Whole, adopting the relevant provisions before approving both bills through voice votes at their third reading.