If Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong’s bill to establish a Federal University in Odukpani, Cross River State is signed into law, here’s what the community and wider region could stand to gain.
1. Improved Access to Higher Education
Residents in Odukpani and neighboring LGAs would have on-site federal tertiary education rather than traveling far—an opportunity gap filled.
2. Local Economic Boost
A university typically catalyzes local development—stimulating demand for housing, services, retail, and transport. Similar cases in Kebbi, Ogun, and Kaduna show tangible growth .
3. Job Creation
Direct roles: lecturers, administrative staff, maintenance teams.
Indirect roles: local entrepreneurs, markets, transportation, and housing providers.
4. Infrastructure & Human Capital Development
Expect improved roads, power, water, labs, ICT facilities.
Graduate-ready workforce helps local industries and public services.
5. Increased Government Investment
Federal funding supports research centers, healthcare outreach, and innovations—mirroring Senator Ekpeyong’s prior development efforts .
6. Long-term Community Benefits
Universities act as cultural hubs and innovation centers, potentially raising educational standards in schools and drawing conferences or partnerships.
If this Bill pass through and is accented to law ,this will be a big mile stone in the lives of the indigene of Cross River State who have suffered neglect in educational sector for the establishment of a federal university after the establishment of the University of Calabar over fifty years ago.
It will be a big plus to Distinguish Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong who is trying all his best to catapult Cross River State to compete with other states in Nigeria in term of education.
At this point I call on all well meaning crossiverians to give the young energetic Sen Asuquo Ekpeyong the needed support for this bill to be accented and passed to law.
Nura Otu-Oshibu (Nura Whyte) write from the forest Hills of Bateriko, Eastern Boki, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
