By Olubunmi Omoogun
In a groundbreaking move to boost education and tourism in Nigeria, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, has sponsored a bill to establish the Federal University of Arts, Culture, Science, and Tourism in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.
The bill had its first reading on the Senate floor on June 4, 2024, setting the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s creative, scientific, and tourism sectors.
The proposed university is designed to expand access to higher education, particularly for young Nigerians who struggle with limited admission slots in existing universities. Education is the foundation of national development, and Sen. Adegbonmire believes this institution will equip students with specialized skills in arts, culture, science, and tourism, fostering economic growth and reducing youth restiveness and unemployment.
Explaining further he said the university will serve as a hub for, Full-time and part-time degree programs in arts, culture, science, and tourism, Research, workshops, and professional training tailored to industry needs.
Other the institution will serve are Scholarship opportunities to support academic excellence, Skill development programs that align with Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy and Global partnerships and collaborations to elevate Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Sen. Adegbonmire emphasized that tourism is a major foreign exchange earner for many nations, citing Mauritius and the UAE as examples.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s tourism potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of properly trained professionals.
“One of the biggest challenges in our tourism industry is the shortage of well-trained personnel. This university will fill that gap, making it the first of its kind in Nigeria,” he stated.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Sen. Adegbonmire has consistently championed educational reforms.
His efforts to establish new learning institutions in Ondo Central demonstrate his dedication to empowering young Nigerians through quality education.
With the bill advancing in the Senate, the Federal University of Arts, Culture, Science, and Tourism, Igbara-Oke is poised to become a game-changer for education, tourism, and the creative industry in Nigeria
