Janet Samuel, Abuja
A bill to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok, Kaduna state has passed through second reading at the floor of the Senate,
The bill, which sought to establish the legal framework for the university was sponsored by the Senator representing kaduna South, Sunday Katung.
While leading the debate, Katung, said the bill was read for the first time on July 27, 2023., adding that, the bill seeks to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Manchok and make comprehensive provisions for its due administration.
“My distinguished colleagues, science has been an integral part of mankind and existence from time immemorial.
” The knowledge that science gives us is what we classify as “Basic Science’’ whilst the application of this knowledge for practical purposes is called “Applied Sciences’’.
Katung said the bill was designed to provide a highly specialised institution of learning that would provide a holistic view of science as a broad area and how elements of different applied sciences work with each other.
He explained that, the objectives of the university amongst is to provide courses of instruction, training and research in applied sciences, saying the school also has the objectives of producing technicians and skilled personnel required for related industries.
Katung said the skilled personnel would act as agents and catalyst through post-graduate training, research and innovation for effective and economic utilisation, exploitation and conservation of Nigeria’s natural, economic and human resources.
He also said the skilled personnel from school would identify technological problems and needs of the society and find solutions to them within the context of overall national development.
According to him, the institution will also provide and promote sound basic scientific training as a foundation for development of technology and applied sciences.
“The establishment of the university proposed in the instant bill will advance knowledge through research and nurturing of unique innovations in applied sciences by the transformation of the scientific knowledge of Nigerian graduates.
“This would in turn stimulate Nigeria’s technological advancements.”
He said the proposed university of applied sciences, although located on an existing Institution, would attract some financial implications for its operational and physical structures necessary for smooth takeoff at the existing Federal College of Statistics, Manchok in Kaduna state.
In their various contributions, the lawmakers all supported the bill to scale through second reading, and was referred to committee on education by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for further legislative action and to report back within three weeks.
