President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a move aimed at strengthening technical education and advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The approval was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the decision aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, developing human capital, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.
The presidency disclosed that the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, urging the establishment of a specialised institution that would leverage Nasarawa State’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
Under the presidential directive, the new university will focus on providing world-class education, research, and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
The institution is also expected to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive value addition, technological advancement, and the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the statement said, “The approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs and leverage its competitive advantages.”
President Tinubu has also directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant agencies to begin the processes required to implement the conversion in line with existing laws and regulations.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.