General News
NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun
The National Assembly has secured the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bills establishing Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal Universities of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele revealed the decision of the president yesterday after the signing of the two legislations establishing the two universities at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.
Bamidele had sponsored bills to establish Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin- Ekiti Kingdom, Ekiti State and Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State respectively in 2023 and 2024.
He had initiated with strong convictions that the two bills would bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology and innovation required for national development; promote environmental sustainability and climate action as well as enhance agricultural innovation and food security in the country.
Contingent upon their strategic national significance, the upper chamber passed the two legislative initiatives into laws and secured the concurrence of the House of Representatives, thereby informing the resolve of the president to give effect to the two legislations.
After the signing of the bills yesterday, Bamidele revealed the decision of the president, which he described as defining and significant in the quest of the president administration to address food insecurity and challenges associated with climate change in the country.
He, therefore, commended the president for approving the establishment of the two federal universities with specific mandate to address knowledge deficit in environmental technology and promote innovative research in food security and agricultural production.
Before the assent of the president yesterday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa had strongly recommended the establishment of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal Universities of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.
In a letter to the presidency on Wednesday, February 19, the education minister asked the president to approve the establishment of the two federal universities as passed by the National Assembly.
With respect to the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Education “has reviewed the provisions of the bill and found that it meets all requisite guidelines and standards for the establishment of a Federal University of this nature.
“The university will specialise in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st century skills in Engineering, Digital Innovation and Applied Sciences. It will drive Nigeria’s industrialization by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.
“The institution will focus on environmental sciences, offering programmes that address climate change, renewable energy, waste management and sustainable urban development. It will serve as a research hub for developing policies and solutions that align with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental sustainability goals.”
On the Federal Universities of Agriculture and Development Studies in Iragbiji, Alausa specifically said the university would serve as a center for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
He said: “It will develop improved farming techniques, agro-processing methods, and climate-smart agriculture solutions to boost productivity and resilience. The university will integrate agricultural sciences with development studies, training professionals to address socioeconomic challenges in rural areas.
“It will foster entrepreneurship and Agribusiness, equipping students with skills for self-employment and wealth creation. The university will stimulate economic activities in Iragbiji and surrounding communities, creating employment and business opportunities.
“The university will serve as a hub for collaborative research with international institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to drive innovations in agricultural sustainability, and community development,” the minister wrote in another letter to the president.
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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