The Senate has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Science and Technology, Okorokorisei in Bayelsa.

The institute, if established, will focus on teaching and research in science and technology.

This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Benson Friday (PDP-Bayelsa), at plenary on Tuesday.

In his lead debate, Mr Friday said the university would serve not only the Bayelsa people but also be an institution of learning where people from all parts of the country could come and learn.

He said the proposed university was for training young men and women and older Nigerians in science and technology, adding that education was a driver of the modern economy.

Mr Friday said the university would also teach courses particularly relevant to each immediate area, especially Marine Engineering, Petroleum, and other research fields.

Mr Friday said there was a need to take advantage of the global economy to build the nation’s manpower base by establishing deserving universities.

He said there was a need to establish more universities to train, equip and give them hope and a future.

Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said the bill sought additional investment in the nation’s education sector.

He urged lawmakers to support the institution’s establishment, given the need for additional educational investment in the state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, shortly after the bill passed the second reading, referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund for further legislative input.

The bill is to be returned to plenary in four weeks.

(NAN)