President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, as part of efforts to strengthen technical education and unlock Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.
Newsonspot reports that the approval was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to human capital development and economic transformation through specialised education.
The new university is expected to focus on producing highly skilled graduates and promoting research in mining, engineering and other strategic fields essential to Nigeria’s industrial growth and the sustainable development of the solid minerals sector.
The Presidency explained that the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The lawmaker advocated for the establishment of a specialised university that would leverage Nasarawa State’s abundant solid mineral resources while supporting the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.
The statement noted that the institution will provide world-class education, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies. It is also expected to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive value addition in the mining industry, encourage technological advancement and promote the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
According to the Presidency, expanding access to specialised education in these areas will improve Nigeria’s competitiveness and reduce reliance on imported technical expertise.
The conversion also reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with the economic priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing institutions that address sector-specific manpower needs and support national development.
President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to commence the administrative and legal processes required to implement the conversion. The agencies are expected to ensure that the transition complies with existing laws, regulations and educational standards.
The government said the implementation process would include all necessary approvals and institutional arrangements for the successful take-off of the university.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, President Tinubu described investment in specialised higher education as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and national development. He expressed confidence that the new university will strengthen research, innovation and workforce development while positioning Nasarawa State as a leading hub for mining and engineering education in Nigeria.
