President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a bid to strengthen technical education and unlock Nigeria’s solid minerals potential.
The approval was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision aligns with the administration’s commitment to human capital development and economic transformation through specialised education.
According to the presidency, the new university will focus on producing highly skilled graduates and advancing research in areas critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth and the sustainable development of the mining sector.
The presidency disclosed that the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The lawmaker presented a case for establishing a specialised university that would leverage Nasarawa State’s rich deposits of solid minerals while supporting the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda. The proposal was considered in line with efforts to create institutions that address sector-specific manpower needs.
The presidential directive explained that the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology will provide education, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.
It noted that the institution is expected to produce the skilled workforce required to drive value addition across the mining industry, promote technological advancement and encourage the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The statement said the conversion reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with the economic priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, NUC, and other relevant agencies to begin the administrative and legal processes required to implement the conversion.
The presidency said the government remains focused on expanding specialised higher education to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support Nigeria’s industrial ambitions and maximise opportunities in the solid minerals sector.
