OPINION: Establishment Of New Tertiary Institutions In The Southeast: Tinubu Has Given Humanity The Best - By Mike Ukoha

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given humanity something to cheer for-the best gift ever seen in the history of mankind-which is education. Education remains the greatest tool for empowerment and the foundation for building a progressive and prosperous society.

[caption id="attachment_182432" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hon. Dr. Mike Ukoha, former Minority Whip of the Abia House of Assembly[/caption]

The establishment of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Bende; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, Abia State; and the Federal University of Technology, Ikeduru, Imo State are solid testimonies to President Tinubu's magnanimity, vision, and commitment to equitable educational development.

Appreciation goes to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for initiating the bills that led to the creation of these federal institutions. Applaud also should be extended to his colleagues in the National Assembly for their support and to President Tinubu for his wisdom and swift assent. With this singular act, it is evident that President Tinubu has truly given humanity one of the greatest gifts: access to quality education.

President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector is not just a political slogan-it is a practical, working strategy that is transforming the sector at all levels. His belief that education is the bedrock of national greatness is clearly reflected in his proactive policies and massive investments.

It is heart cheering that under his administration, the following landmark achievements have taken place:

The establishment of Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) remains monumental and remarkable achievement of this administration. The fund has opened the opportunities to tertiary education to all Nigerians regardless of their economic status.

It is a known fact that education received the highest share of the 2025 national budget. This is unique. It has not happened in the last two decades. Thus, with this increase, in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), universities and colleges will definitely witness the transformation of infrastructures.

In addition, the President has extended his reforms to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) with the instruction of technical and entrepreneurial education in secondary schools. The program will prepare students to be self-reliant and competitive in the global market.

The current administration has refocused emphasis on teachers' training and capacity building. It has intensified the training and retraining of teachers through organized nationwide programs and workshops by Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Federal Ministry of Education. Obviously, it will improve qualitative teaching and professional standards in both urban and rural communities.

There will be academic and non-academic staff recruitment opportunities, especially from the catchment areas. Apparently, the host communities will experience economic growth, improved commerce, and real estate development fueled by students and staff. When the institutions are operational, the southeast will have additional access to affordable tertiary education, especially in the fields of medical and technological studies.

Furthermore, the President is cognizant of the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and is aggressively championing digital learning. The approach will prepare our students for the demand of the modern digital economy.

Above all, it is commendable to point out that recently, our universities have enjoyed relative calmness and return to uninterrupted academic sessions.

The administration has undeniably uplifted the standard of education. It has been a journey. From stabilizing universities to creating access through student loans; from record- breaking budgetary allocations to the establishment of new federal institutions. This government has delivered significant, people-oriented educational reforms.

Generally speaking, the southeast has previously witnessed the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, and Federal College of Education, Ofeme Ohuhu, both in Abia State under the watch of APC administration.

Lastly, for Ndigbo, this is a defining moment. We must acknowledge these massive gains and give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC our maximum support.

He is repositioning Nigeria for greatness and ensuring that the Southeast is not left behind in national development. His Renewed Hope Agenda is working, and we must be proud to align with his leadership as he prepares to take Nigeria to even greater heights.

Ukoha is a former Minority Whip Abia State House of Assembly