Federal Govt Approves N48bn To Boost Engineering, Technology In Varsities

The Federal government has approved 48 billion Naira for 12 selected engineering and technology universities to rehabilitate workshops and procure modern equipment.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects held in Abuja, Nigeria.

He said the selected tertiary institutions will get 4 billion each from the intervention fund.

According to him, the intervention targets the rehabilitation of Engineering and Technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology (FUTs) and conventional universities as well as bridge the gap between theory and practice nationwide.

“The funds would either be used to upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.

“The initiative, implemented through TETFund, was designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements as well as commercialize research,” he said.

The minister added that the special intervention would equally provide modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to improve graduate employability.

He explained that the High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops, and research facilities to position Nigerian institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem-solving.

He said the allocated money alone does not guarantee results, as success depends on effective implementation, strict adherence to standards, transparency, and accountability.

He said the inauguration of the committee is both necessary and timely, urging them to adhere to the terms of reference for better outcomes..

“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,” said  the minister

The 12 institutions spread across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria includes: Federal university of technology, Minna, Niger State,  African Aviation university, Abuja, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State,  Nigeria Army University Biu, Federal university of technology, Babura, Jigawa State.

Others are; Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto State,  Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Enugu State,  Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, University of Ilesha, Osun State