The Federal Government has approved the allocation of ₦4 billion each to 12 selected universities for the rehabilitation of engineering and technology workshops, upgrade of laboratories, and installation of modern equipment, and has inaugurated a Ministerial Monitoring, Evaluation and Implementation Committee to oversee the TETFund Special High-Impact Intervention Project.
Inaugurating the Committee, the Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa CON, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to repositioning engineering and technology education as a driver of national development. He described the intervention as a strategic investment designed to bridge the persistent gap between theory and practice, enhance innovation, and restore global competitiveness to Nigerian universities.
Dr. Alausa stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that success will be measured by fully functional facilities, improved practical competencies, and the production of job-ready graduates. He clarified that the ₦4 billion allocation per institution is dedicated to engineering and technology upgrades and is separate from other 2026 TETFund disbursements, with additional investments planned to strengthen science, engineering, and medical laboratories nationwide.
He charged Committee members to ensure strict compliance with procurement regulations, maintain transparent digital records, and submit periodic performance reports to the Ministry and TETFund. Emphasising the importance of academic stability, he reiterated that sustainable national growth depends on a stable and quality education system.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, underscored the strategic importance of the High-Impact Intervention Project in advancing industrialisation and economic growth. She stressed that funding must be matched with robust monitoring, transparency, and accountability to guarantee measurable outcomes and value for money.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan represented by Hajia Rakiya Ilaysu Director University assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s full administrative support and emphasised adherence to established financial guidelines, due process, and performance benchmarks to ensure efficient implementation and sustainability.
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, commended the Honourable Minister for the initiative and reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to strengthening teaching and learning infrastructure in line with national priorities. He noted that the project reflects the reform-driven support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustainable transformation in the education sector.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, described the intervention as a critical step toward equipping Nigerian students with practical skills aligned with industry demands, while commending the Minister’s student-centred reforms.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman and President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Committee and pledged professionalism, integrity, and measurable results in delivering the project’s objectives
The intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure, promote innovation, and position Nigeria’s universities as centres of excellence in engineering and technology education.
Beneficiary institutions include the Federal Universities of Technology in Minna, Akure, Babura, and Owerri; the Nigerian Army University, Biu; the African Aviation and Aerospace University; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto. The benefiting state universities are Delta State University, Abraka, and the University of Ilesa, Osun State. The intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure, promote innovation, and position Nigeria’s universities as centres of excellence in engineering and technology education.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to revitalise engineering education, enhance research capacity, and produce a new generation of competent engineers and technologists capable of competing globally.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
