Steel University Bill: Oseni appreciates colleagues, stakeholders' attendance on Public Hearing

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District and chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology/Cybercrime has expressed profound appreciation to the representatives of Kogi State government and his colleagues at the National Assembly for attending the public hearing of his bill seeking establishment of Steel University, Ajaokuta.

Senator Oseni who also commended experts and stakeholders in the steel sector for making out time in attending the public hearing noted that the massive turn out indicated that Nigerians are highly receptive of any projects and idea that seeks true diversification of the economy.

Earlier in an address, the lawmaker argued that if the country must break away from the shackles of monolithic and oil-centred economy, the need for technological-driven institutions for steel sector becomes very imperative.

While emphasising on urgent need for the passage of the bill into law, the lawmaker argued that industrialized and  developed nations of the world did not attain their  levels of development  by  merely wishing  it, adding that their  dreams  and  aspirations  were  actualized  through  a  well  thought  out,  planned  and  executed education  system and institutions.

"The  giant  strides  made  by  most  Asian  countries  that  are  fast  competing  with the  developed  countries  of  Europe  and  North  America  had  to  work  on  the  quality  and relevance  of  their  education  system  to  ensure  that  it  met  their  needs  of  science  and  technology.

"As a nation, we have to develop, evolve an educational system and institutions that are in line with research in technology and metallurgy. It is the home grown products of these institutions (for instance, Steel University, Ajaokuta) that will competently handle the various technical aspects of our steel complex which is much needed for speedy industrialization'', he said.

Senator Oseni specially commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the palpable and verifiable efforts of their administration which he said has revived the hope for resuscitation of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

"This administration has been able to resolve all diplomatic and legal encumbrances that have hindered the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Complex for decades and just like we have in the maritime and petroleum sectors, an academic institution ought to be established to provide manpower needed for the steel company. The long term advantage of this institution is that it will facilitate the complete indigenization of the steel company because when there are home grown steel experts, there will be no need to hire expatriates from foreign countries", he stressed.

Consequently, Senator Oseni commended Governor Yahaya Bello for tackling wanton insecurity that bedevilled the state prior to his government, just as he argued that the Confluence State has been turned to hub of investment as a result of secured and conducive environment.

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