President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology.
The approval is expected to strengthen training in mining and engineering while supporting the country’s growing solid minerals industry. Moreover, it reflects the Federal Government’s renewed focus on building specialised institutions that can meet Nigeria’s economic needs.
The new university will concentrate on mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. As a result, students will have greater access to specialised education designed to prepare them for industries that are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria’s future.
The institution is expected to play a key role in producing skilled professionals for the country’s mining and manufacturing sectors. The decision has also attracted attention because it aligns education directly with Nigeria’s industrial development plans.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
The senator reportedly argued that Nasarawa State possesses enormous solid mineral resources and deserves a specialised institution capable of developing local expertise while supporting national industrial growth.
Furthermore, the Presidency explained that the university would become a centre for research, innovation, and advanced learning across several technical fields. It is also expected to promote value addition to Nigeria’s mineral resources instead of depending mainly on raw material exports.
The statement added:
“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.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant agencies to begin the legal and administrative processes required for the conversion.
Consequently, the implementation process is expected to begin immediately in line with existing laws and government regulations.
In addition, the specialised university is expected to strengthen research partnerships, attract investments, and improve innovation within Nigeria’s education sector.
The Presidency also noted that the institution will help produce the skilled workforce required for sustainable exploration, processing, and management of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.
Furthermore, improved technical education could create new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and industrial expansion across the country.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a strategic tool for economic development, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.
