In a significant step toward strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the country, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education and with critical support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has officially commissioned and handed over seater buses to Federal Science and Technical Colleges in Borno and Adamawa States — including FS&TC Lassa, FS&TC Michika, and FGGC Yola, as well as technical colleges in Maiduguri and Yola.
The symbolic handover, held in Abuja, is part of a broader national initiative to strengthen TVET infrastructure across the country, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills necessary to power industrial growth and innovation.
Delivering her remarks, Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to revamp and modernize FSTCs nationwide. “We are not just handing over buses; we are laying down the wheels of Nigeria’s future economy. These vehicles will support student and staff mobility — especially for those displaced by insurgency — and form part of a holistic effort to renovate and upgrade every technical college in the country.”
While commissioning the vehicles, the Minister commended the African Development Bank for its generous support and emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for technical education. She noted that the teachers in these institutions are now well-trained and equipped to deliver on the goals of quality education and innovation.
The Ministry of Education has pledged its continued commitment to revitalizing technical and vocational education by budgeting for the renovation and upgrading of all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs). “Our goal is to ensure these institutions are fully equipped to deliver the practical skills necessary to drive national progress and economic development,” she said.
Prof. Suwaiba also disclosed that all FSTC principals have recently completed a one-week assessor training in Yola, Adamawa — a strategic move designed to empower them as frontline drivers of the national TVET agenda.
In her address, Dr. (Mrs.) M. A. Olodoo, Director of Technology and Science Education, praised the resilience of the colleges and the spirit of unity demonstrated during difficult times. She highlighted FS&TC Michika’s hospitality toward FS&TC Lassa — temporarily relocated due to insurgency — and commended FGGC Yola’s role in safeguarding vital equipment procured for Lassa. “This donation to FS&TC Michika is an expression of gratitude for its selflessness and support during a critical time. Similarly, FGGC Yola’s custodianship of ADB-procured equipment for Lassa has been invaluable. We deeply appreciate the African Development Bank’s strategic partnership, which continues to bear fruit in the promotion of technical education for sustainable national development.”
Earlier, the Director of Science and Technical Education, Dr. Muyibat Olodo, introduced the project, describing it as a well-deserved gesture facilitated through the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and the African Development Bank. She reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to advancing STEM and TVET across Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary principals, Mr. Abubakar Nuhu and Mr. Abubakar Sanusi Sawawa, both of FS&TC Lassa, expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Education and the African Development Bank for the timely intervention and support. They recognized the buses as vital for logistics, relocation, and the advancement of TVET programs and assured the Ministry of their readiness to put the resources to effective use. They also highlighted the strong spirit of collaboration among schools, emphasizing shared commitment, solidarity, and national development through education. The buses, now deployed to the temporary campuses, will accompany the institutions back to their original locations when resettlement is completed.
The commissioning and handover mark another milestone in the Federal Government’s mission to empower technical institutions, build a skilled, self-reliant generation, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Signed,
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
