Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has publicly expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the bills establishing the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item-Bende, both located in Abia State.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Senator Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State and ex-Chief Whip of the Senate, rose under Order 41 of the Senate Standing Rules to make a personal explanation, commending the President for what he described as a historic step toward advancing educational development in the South-East.
“I want to thank the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in the House of Representatives, the entire Senate, and my colleagues who stood by me in pushing for these institutions,” Kalu said. “Most importantly, I thank Mr. President, who has always demonstrated that even when you don’t work for him politically, you can still benefit from his leadership.”
Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), noted that the people of Abia North and the wider South-East region would not forget this gesture. “I am confident that our people will show their appreciation in the next election. Education is vital for our communities, and I thank everyone who contributed to this process,” he added.
President Tinubu had, on June 16, 2025, signed into law three landmark education bills sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The bills establish the Federal College of Education, Bende; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende; and the Federal University of Okigwe, Imo State.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the Federal College of Education, Bende, will provide full-time courses and training in technology, applied sciences, commerce, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management—addressing the growing demand for teacher training and professional development.
On the other hand, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, is expected to offer world-class education and training in the medical field,
