Badagry Rep. member debunks relocating University of Technology after outcry

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan 

Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency, has debunked a news circling social media that some people are already working towards relocating University of Science and Technology, which was meant to be situated in Badagry to Ekity State.

On Tuesday, a top government official alerted our reporter that there is a plan to move the University to Ekity State, while Ekity already has five Universities, and that Senator and House of Representatives members representing Badagry should be alerted before its too late.

Hon. Sesi in a press statement on Wednesday stated that "It has come to my attention that there are circulating rumors suggesting a potential relocation of the proposed university to Ekiti. I categorically state that these rumors are baseless and inaccurate."

Press Statement 

Sesi added that he has wholeheartedly endorsed the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology in Badagry, a bill that recently passed its first reading in the National Assembly.

"I urge the residents of Badagry to remain composed and disregard these unfounded rumors." 

The lawmaker said this landmark initiative will not only provide expanded educational opportunities but also foster economic growth and infrastructural advancement in our beloved region.

The bill was proposed by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the House of Representatives Member, Ikeja Federal Constituency, and has passed first reading on June 11, 2024. Faleke said, "This initiative aims to foster development and sustainability in technological advancement through education for our growing population."

A source from the National Assembly who spoke with News Peddlers on a telephone conversation said, "I'm not sure about how true the information is, but the fact that someone has proposed a bill for a University of Technology to be sited in Badagry does not stop another representative from Ekity State from proposing a similar bill for his state.

"It does not mean that the one meant for Badagry would be diverted, if there's anything like that, both bills will have to go through the right process, and the one that gets more loby will be passed. My concern is that Badagry representatives are not doing enough for Badagry, we only hope they do better."

A source from Hon. Sesi media team told News Peddlers in a telephone conversation that "it is good that this awareness is raised, it will further prompt the House of Representatives Member to be more vigilant on what is happening about the bill."

Babatunde Hunpe, the former House of Representatives Member, said in an interview with Badagry Radio, "The possibility of relocating the Federal University of Technology from Badagry to another state is highly unlikely given the procedural safeguards in place. When a bill is awaiting its second reading, it is subject to a rigorous legislative process that ensures transparency and accountability.

"At the second reading, the bill is debated in detail, and any proposed amendments or corrections can be introduced and discussed. This stage is crucial, as it allows for comprehensive scrutiny by the members of the House. No changes can be made "through the back door without proper debate and approval." he said 

Hunpe added that while concerns about the relocation of the university are understandable, the established legislative processes provide multiple checkpoints to prevent any hasty or unauthorized changes.