Federal Government of Nigeria Approves N4bn Each for 12 Universities to Upgrade Engineering Facilities

The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities of engineering and technology to rehabilitate workshops and acquire modern equipment aimed at strengthening practical training.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the approval on Monday during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.

Institutions to Benefit

The intervention targets engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and other conventional universities nationwide.

Beneficiary institutions include:

• 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

• Nigerian Army University Biu

• African Aviation and Aerospace University

• Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto

• Enugu State University of Science and Technology

• University of Ilesha

The funding will be used to upgrade existing facilities or construct new engineering workshops where necessary.

Strengthening Practical Skills

Alausa said the initiative, to be implemented through TETFund, is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry demands by providing modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment.

He noted that the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification.

The minister stressed that beyond funding, strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability would be key to the success of the programme. The implementation committee has been mandated to supervise project execution, ensure compliance with approved standards, and provide periodic performance reports.

Additional N20bn Allocation

Alausa further disclosed that an additional N20 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended the President for approving reforms aimed at repositioning tertiary education institutions.

Also speaking, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and chairman of the implementation committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the projects.

The government expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly improve engineering education, boost innovation, and enhance graduate employability nationwide.