A bill seeking to establish a Federal University of Information and Communication Technology in Lagos State has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill was sponsored by Hon Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Speaking during plenary, Agbese said the proposed institution, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria, will be groundbreaking and revolutionary.

He said in a world now driven by information and communication technology, a corresponding citadel of learning is long-overdue in our nation.

Highlighting some of the benefits, Agbese said: “With ingenuity and drive, young Nigerians would invent fundamental technologies, launch new industries, and create millions of local jobs.

“The university would bridge the mastery and skill-set gap toward our march to a knowledge-based economy.

“This proposed institution will also advance knowledge in science, information, communication technology, and other areas that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

“It will provide quality educational programs to serve those seeking a solid foundation in skills to be competitive in the job market and to obtain successful employment involving the application of space-age information technologies.”

He, therefore, expressed confidence that the proposed university will “bring succour to many gifted Nigerians in the ICT ecosystem who are often denied admission into conventional universities.”

On the choice of its location, Agbese noted that Lagos as the economic capital of Nigeria is the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan state in the country.

He said most multinational companies and top ICT firms are domiciled there, adding that Lagos Island is the heartbeat of the state.