Tuesday, March, 3 2026 - The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities of engineering and technology to rehabilitate workshops and procure modern equipment.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this
on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary
Education Trust Fund Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the intervention
targets the rehabilitation of engineering and technology faculties in Federal
Universities of Technology and conventional universities nationwide.
Beneficiary institutions include FUT Minna, FUT Akure, FUT
Babura, FUT Ikot-Abasi, FUT Owerri, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Other beneficiaries 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 said the funds would either upgrade existing
facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where
necessary.
He explained that the initiative, implemented through
TETFund, is designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap
between theory and industry requirements.
According to the minister, the intervention aligns with the
Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises skills
development and economic diversification.
“The High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic
initiative aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops, and research facilities,
positioning our institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem
solving.
“However, funding alone does not guarantee results. Success
depends on effective implementation, strict adherence to standards,
transparency, and accountability, which is why this committee is both necessary
and timely.
“Your mandate is clear: monitor project execution, ensure
compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluate outcomes,
identify challenges, and provide objective reports to guide policy decisions.
“You are entrusted with safeguarding public investment and
ensuring value for money. Every facility delivered under this intervention must
reflect quality, sustainability, and relevance to national needs,” he said.
Alausa added that the special intervention would provide
modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to
improve graduate employability.
He further noted that an additional N20 billion had been
provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in
other selected institutions.
The minister tasked the committee with submitting periodic
reports and recommending sanctions for non-compliant institutions to the
ministry and TETFund.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, expressed
appreciation to President Tinubu for approving reforms aimed at transforming
Nigeria’s education landscape.
Echono described the ceremony as one of several initiatives
endorsed by the President to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen
teaching and learning infrastructure.
He also commended the National Assembly for its efforts to
restore first- and second-generation universities to global standards.
Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Ali Rabiu,
President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and chairman of the
committee, pledged commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Rabiu said the assignment was a distinct honour and
expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee members and
their respective organisations.
“The committee accepts this responsibility and will
contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative,” he said.
He also commended the federal government’s efforts to
strengthen engineering training and promote hands-on interventions in
universities.
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