Shining Star: Tinubu Assents to 3 Bills Sponsored by Benjamin Kalu

President Bola Tinubu has given his assent to three landmark bills championed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, marking a new era of educational advancement in the Southeast region.

The bills provide for the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Bende, Abia State; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Bende, Abia State; and the Federal University of Okigwe in Imo State.

These institutions are poised to become hubs for academic excellence, innovation, and research, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields.

The Federal College of Education will offer a wide range of programs, while the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences will focus on delivering high-quality medical education and training. The Federal University of Okigwe will also provide quality education and research opportunities, addressing the educational needs of the local population.

With this new development, Kalu has effectively expanded Abia State’s portfolio of federal institutions—bringing the number of federal universities in the state to two, alongside the existing Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). This marks a pivotal milestone in bridging long-standing educational disparities and strengthening the region’s academic presence on the national map.

Moreover, Abia State’s higher education sector is set for a major boost, as the newly approved Federal College of Education in Bende will add to the state’s existing federal teacher-training institution the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), located in Aba. This brings the total number of federal colleges of education in Abia to two, further expanding access to professional training and academic development in the field of education.

This major legislative victory further affirms Kalu’s status as one of the most visionary and developmental-minded leaders from the Southeast. Known for his calm diplomacy and non-confrontational politics, the Deputy Speaker has consistently championed federal presence in a region long plagued by underinvestment and marginalization.

Kalu expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and leadership, while also acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Senate and the House of Representatives in making this milestone possible.

He emphasized that the establishment of these institutions will have a profound impact on the region’s development and encouraged citizens to continue backing the government. This development, he noted, represents more than infrastructure it reflects a strategic realignment of the Southeast within the national framework.

As the initiator of the “Peace in South East Project” and a key proponent of the South East Development Commission, Kalu has become the face of a new political ethos in the region one rooted in bridge-building, negotiation, and long-term inclusion. His recent conferment with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Tinubu is widely viewed as a validation of this approach.

Rather than relying on agitation or antagonism, Kalu’s leadership has focused on results pushing through policy, legislation, and investments that now promise to transform the Southeast’s educational and economic landscape.

This development is expected to enhance the region’s educational foundation, provide opportunities for students to access quality education, and further deepen national cohesion through inclusive governance and shared progress.