The passage of the Igbekebo College of Education Bill for a second reading in the Senate has been hailed as a significant development for the people of Ese Odo and Ilaje in Ondo South Senatorial District.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the sponsor of the bill, described the approval as a major step toward bringing much-needed government attention and support to the region.
The bill aims to establish the first higher institution in both Ese Odo and Ilaje, which account for 5 percent of Nigeria’s oil resources. Currently, these communities lack any form of higher education institutions, making the establishment of a college of education a crucial development. “They don’t have any higher institution, so it is only when this is established that for the first time they will have a college of education to train teachers,” said Senator Ibrahim.
The proposed institution will address the growing need for well-trained teachers to improve Nigeria’s educational system and expand academic infrastructure. Senator Ibrahim also highlighted the challenges faced by teachers in riverine areas, noting the importance of training teachers familiar with the local environment: “When you post teachers to the river area and they don’t know how to swim or get used to the environment, there are challenges.”
The bill seeks to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to improve access to higher education across the country. The new college will offer a range of academic programs designed to equip students for national development and effective teaching.
With the bill’s progress in the Senate, there is optimism that the College of Education will not only address educational needs but also foster greater government presence in the region, benefiting local communities. The Senate’s swift passage of the bill signals a growing recognition of the need for educational reforms, with the bill now set for further scrutiny before final approval.
