President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.
This move is aimed at strengthening technical education and advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The approval, announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to train professionals in mining and technology while supporting industrial development.
According to the statement, the decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for the establishment of a specialised institution that would harness the state’s abundant solid mineral resources and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.
Tinubu said the new university would serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.
He noted that the institution would also help produce the skilled manpower required to promote value addition, technological progress and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The President further stated that the conversion is in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the establishment of specialised institutions to address key national development needs.
To facilitate the transition, Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to commence the necessary administrative and regulatory processes.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue investing in education, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, employment generation and national development.
