Economy
Why Reps Move To Convert Michael Okpara University Into Conventional Institution
Why Reps Move To Convert Michael Okpara University Into Conventional Institution
Why Reps move to convert Michael Okpara University into Conventional Institution. The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward transforming Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, into a conventional university, as lawmakers passed a bill for its second reading during Thursday’s plenary session.
The bill, titled “An Act to Establish the Michael Okpara University, Umudike to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, along with six other lawmakers.
Leading the debate, co-sponsor Hon. Kelechi Nwogu highlighted the need to expand the university’s mandate beyond agriculture.
Established in 1992 as a specialized institution under the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, the lawmaker argued that a conventional university status would enhance interdisciplinary research and collaboration across diverse fields such as engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
Hon. Nwogu further explained that integrating agricultural studies with engineering could drive innovations in mechanized farming, while partnerships with health sciences could advance research into nutrition and food security.
“As an institution primarily focused on agricultural sciences, MOUAU has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural development. However, broadening its scope to include diverse disciplines would amplify its impact across multiple domains,” he stated.
According to him, transitioning to a conventional university would bring several advantages, including:
Diversified Academic Programs:
The institution could introduce courses in Arts, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities, attracting a more diverse student population.
Enhanced Research Opportunities:
Programs in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sciences would prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market.
Increased Funding Prospects:
A broader academic focus could unlock funding from organizations that support disciplines beyond agriculture, including grants for research in technology, medicine, and social sciences.
Improved Global Recognition: Conventional universities often rank higher due to their wider educational and societal impact.
Okpara University
Following deliberations, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the bill to a voice vote, after which it was passed and referred to the Committee on University Education for further legislative action.
The move marks a crucial step toward reshaping the educational landscape of Michael Okpara University, positioning it for greater academic and research impact on both national and global scales.
NNPC Ltd. HSE Chief Sets Tone For Industry-Wide Safety Standards
NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer, Tonye Alagba, has urged Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) personnel across the company to strengthen collaboration and build a unified HSE team.
Alagba, who made the call at the recent First Quarter 2026 HSE Council Meeting held in Abuja from 15th to 17th April, 2026, called for collective responsibility, strict compliance, and proactive prevention of HSE violations across all business units.
NNPC
NNPC Ltd. values strict HSE adherence across all its businesses and operations. The HSE Council Meeting signals the company’s broader intent to raise the bar for safety culture across Nigeria’s energy sector.
NNPC, SNEPCo, NCDMB Donate Geosciences Centre To UNILAG
NNPC Limited, in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), commissioned and donated the newly built UNILAG Geosciences Centre of Excellence to the University on Friday.
Purposely built to strengthen geosciences education and research in Nigeria, the Centre was inaugurated by the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services Ltd. (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, alongside the Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams; Director of Capacity Building (NCDMB), Abayomi Bamidele; Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule; and the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
The Centre boasts of a 250-seat auditorium, geoscience and instrumentation laboratories, a rock preparation workshop, hydrogeology, mineralogy, environmental geology, sedimentary and palaeoenvironmental sciences laboratories, a seismic interpretation room, a modern library, a digital museum, and collaborative spaces for students and researchers. It is also supported by a 600 kVA transformer, a 40 kVA solar power facility, and a field investigation coaster bus.
SNEPCo, NNPC
By connecting academia, industry, and government under one roof, the Centre provides Nigerian students and researchers with hands-on access to modern energy tools, reduces the oil and gas industry’s reliance on international markets for testing and training, and builds the in-country expertise Nigeria’s energy sector needs.
NNPC Limited remains committed to driving capacity building, supporting national development, and working with partners to secure a stronger energy future for Nigeria.
NNPC: Ministers Chart Course Gor West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP)
The Committee of Ministers for the West African Gas Pipeline Project met in Abuja on Friday, reaffirming its central role in West Africa’s regional energy agenda.
The meeting brought together ministers and high-level representatives from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, alongside officials from ECOWAS, the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) and West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo).
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who opened the meeting, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the long-term sustainability and expansion of the pipeline, adding that since its inception, the WAGP has transported over 613 million MMBtu of natural gas, with Nigeria accounting for more than 68 per cent of total volumes supplied to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
NNPC
On his part, NNPC Limited’s Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, emphasised the company’s active stewardship of Nigeria’s gas export commitments and its broader role in shaping regional energy cooperation across West Africa.
With gas throughput reaching approximately 80 million MMBtu in 2025, a 22 per cent rise on prior years, and discussions advancing on expanding pipeline capacity utilisation by 45 per cent in 2026, NNPC Limited remains at the centre of efforts to grow a credible, commercially viable regional gas market.
-
Crime12 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News1 year agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime1 year agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News1 year agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy11 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?