Bill to Establish FUTIA Soon To Be Law, Says Lawmaker
The legislation aimed at providing legal support for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) will be ready soon, as announced by Senator Ekong Sampson, representating Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly.
Senator Sampson, serving as the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, made this revelation during the inauguration of a 500KVA transformer in Okon, Eket; the CBT/ICT Building at St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket; as well as the commencement of a medical facility at Immanuel Hospital, Eket, and the construction of a medical facility at the General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, in Akwa Ibom State.
“The bill to provide FUTIA with legal authority will soon be enacted, having successfully navigated its first, second, and third readings,” he stated.
While officially presenting the completed CBT/ICT Building to St. Francis Secondary School, Senator Sampson emphasized that the initiative aligns with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)’s mandate to shift from traditional paper-based assessments to computer-based evaluations.
He characterized the endeavor as a forward-thinking measure to support the state government’s efforts in delivering high-quality, technology-centric education and preparing students for the digital examination landscape.
“Shortly, WAEC examinations will be conducted online; hence, we must ready the centers for such assessments,” he disclosed.
The Senator, who also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of medical facilities at the General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, and Immanuel General Hospital, Eket, remarked that these projects are pivotal for addressing the healthcare needs of Akwa Ibom’s populace and providing accommodations for medical personnel.
He pledged his dedication to ensuring the completion of the medical facilities initiated before the year’s end, further announcing that similar facilities would be established at General Hospital, Iquita, Oron, encompassing accommodations and medical wards.
“These interventions are crafted to supplement the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD’s efforts in revitalizing the health sector. More initiatives are forthcoming. This is my assurance. I urge you to continue supporting Pastor Umo Eno, President Tinubu, and Senator Godswill Akpabio in the upcoming election. These individuals hold Akwa Ibom dear to their hearts,” he declared.
Senator Sampson also disclosed his endeavors in liaising with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, and other pertinent stakeholders for the revival of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), noting that President Bola Tinubu is fervently committed to the rejuvenation of the enterprise.
Dr. Otobong Udoh, Deputy Medical Director of Immanuel Hospital, Eket, and Dr. King Udoh, Medical Director of General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, both commended Senator Ekong for the projects, acknowledging their significance at a time when Governor Eno has declared a state of emergency in the healthcare sector.
The Directors, promising collaboration to ensure the timely completion of the projects, noted the importance of the initiative at a time when the hospitals are in urgent need of suitable facilities to house doctors on call duty and advocated for solar power provision.
