Sam Onuigbo hails Tinubu and Benjamin Kalu for expanding education access in South-East. What did they do? Read full details in our exclusive report.
Abuja, Nigeria – In a major development that has been described as a game changer for the South-East region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, have been commended for expanding access to federal tertiary education for Igbo youth through a historic legislative breakthrough.
Rep. Sam Onuigbo, a member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and a former two-term federal lawmaker, issued the commendation in a statement made available to journalists on Monday. He praised both the President and the Deputy Speaker for their decisive roles in the recent signing into law of three critical higher education bills for the South-East.
The signed bills establish:
- Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Bende, Abia State
- Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State
- Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State
Two of the bills were directly sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu, while he also intensively lobbied for presidential assent to the Okigwe University bill, highlighting his legislative prowess and dedication to educational development.
“This legislative achievement comes as a clear demonstration of Kalu’s visionary leadership, deep commitment to educational development, and dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the South East and the nation at large,” Onuigbo stated.
The former lawmaker, who currently chairs the Security and Climate Change Committee of the NEDC, emphasized that the development represents a major shift toward equitable national development and reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive growth.
“Mr. President, you have once again demonstrated your administration’s commitment to inclusive development, nation-building, and the empowerment of our youth through education. I doff my hat,” he added.
Onuigbo also highlighted that the new institutions will:
- Create expanded access to quality higher education,
- Serve as catalysts for socioeconomic development in Abia and Imo States, and
- Position more young Nigerians to participate in the global knowledge economy.
He described the Deputy Speaker’s consistent advocacy as “inspiring hope” among the younger generation in the region.
“Without doubt, Kalu’s legislative foresight and effective advocacy continue to inspire hope for a better future and sustainable progress. His understanding and collaboration with the Presidency have paved the way for generations of Nigerians to access quality education,” Onuigbo stated.
Onuigbo, also known for sponsoring the Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act 2021, linked educational access to climate and economic resilience, noting that young Nigerians equipped with modern education will be better prepared to confront climate change, food insecurity, and technological gaps.
“With more young people getting educated, we can create home-grown, adaptive solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges,” he concluded.
This development marks a significant milestone not only for education in the South-East but also for national integration and regional upliftment.



