The number of federally-owned universities in Nigeria is set to potentially increase to 99 in the near future, as a bill to establish 47 new universities has passed through a second reading. Additionally, approximately 56 bills have progressed to the second reading stage to establish Federal Medical Centres in various parts of the country.

Presently, Nigeria is home to 52 federal universities, with some states hosting more than one. The House of Representatives is also deliberating on several bills to establish around 32 Federal Colleges of Education, 11 Federal Colleges of Agriculture, and five Federal Polytechnics, in addition to the existing institutions.

In addition to the 52 Federal Universities, there are 22 Federal Medical Centres, 27 Federal Colleges of Education, and 40 Polytechnics in Nigeria. Some of the bills were previously passed in the 9th Assembly but did not receive the necessary concurrence at the Senate or were not signed by the President.

Upon establishment, the new institutions will include Universities of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Aviation, Medicals, and Engineering, among others. The House is also considering various bills to establish Colleges of Vocational and Skill Acquisition, Cancer Research, and Entrepreneurship.

A review of the House order paper listing the institutions and other bills under consideration revealed that Lagos State, for example, has requested the establishment of three new Federal Medical Centres in addition to the existing one.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, announced that the Green Chamber received and considered 962 bills, 500 motions, and 153 petitions in six months. Out of these, 120 bills have passed through the Second Reading and are currently undergoing review for further legislative actions, as stated by the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State.

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