Tinubu Approves Conversion of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to Specialised University

President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, as part of efforts to strengthen specialised higher education and support Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The approval, announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is aimed at aligning tertiary education with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and increasing the supply of skilled professionals in mining, engineering and related fields.

According to the Presidency, the newly approved university will serve as a centre for teaching, research and innovation in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, engineering, manufacturing and emerging technologies. It is expected to produce graduates with the technical expertise needed to drive industrial development and promote sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The conversion followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, who advocated for a specialised institution that would leverage Nasarawa State’s abundant solid mineral deposits while addressing the country’s growing demand for technical manpower.

President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant agencies to commence the legal and administrative processes required for the transition.

The move is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education, boost research and innovation, and position Nasarawa State as a national hub for mining and engineering education.

The latest approval comes as the Federal Government continues to reshape Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape through specialised institutions designed to meet the country’s evolving workforce and industrial needs.