The Senate on Wednesday proposed establishment of a university to tackle the environmental degradation challenges caused by oil exploration in Ogoni land in Rivers state.
This was contained in a bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Environment Technology which passed second reading.
The bill is sponsored by Barinada Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East senatorial district.
According to Mpigi, Ogoni land has been grossly affected by oil exploration and establishing the University will proffer lasting solutions.
Mpigi said if approved by the Senate, the university would be the first of its kind in Africa.
He further noted that the institution would provide manpower and train professionals to tackle erosion problems.
In their separate contributions, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Barau Jibrin and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun Central) supported the bill and said apart from solving environmental challenges, it would also curb youth restiveness in the area.
