The Federal Government has approved the sum of N4 billion for each of 12 selected universities to upgrade engineering and technology infrastructure across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund Special High Impact Intervention Projects. He said the intervention is aimed at rehabilitating engineering faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and selected conventional universities.
Beneficiary institutions include the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Technology, Babura; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Others are the African Aviation and Aerospace University; Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; and the University of Ilesha, Osun.
Alausa explained that the funding would be used to renovate existing workshops, construct new ones where necessary, and procure modern, industry relevant equipment to enhance practical training. The initiative, implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and industry demands.
He said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, and economic diversification. The minister emphasised that the success of the intervention depends on transparency, strict adherence to approved standards, and effective monitoring.
To further strengthen engineering education, Alausa announced that an additional N20 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to support similar upgrades in other institutions.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended the Federal Government for approving reforms aimed at repositioning tertiary education. He also acknowledged the role of the National Assembly in supporting infrastructure development in universities.
Chairman of the implementation committee and President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, assured that members would diligently monitor project execution and ensure value for public investment.
