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Ukorebi Esien | August 14, 2025
CALABAR — Hopes for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, in Cross River State have been dashed following the Federal Government's decision to place a seven-year ban on the creation of new tertiary institutions across the country.
The policy, announced on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, aims to consolidate and strengthen existing institutions before considering the establishment of new ones. The Federal Government said the decision was necessary to address funding challenges, infrastructure deficits, and quality concerns affecting the nation's tertiary education sector.
This development comes barely a month after the Bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, passed its final reading in the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.
Stakeholders in Cross River have described the policy as a major setback for the state, which has been lobbying for more federal presence in its educational sector and beyond. The proposed university was expected to boost technological innovation, create employment opportunities, and attract investments to the state.
Reacting to the news, some education advocates expressed disappointment, urging the Federal Government to consider institutions that have already completed legislative processes before the policy was announced. Others stressed the need for Cross River representatives in the National Assembly to push for an exemption in light of the university's potential socio-economic benefits.
With this decision, Cross River joins other states whose proposed institutions have been caught in the policy freeze, leaving communities and stakeholders in suspense over the fate of long-awaited projects.
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