Tinubu Approves Conversion of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to Specialised University
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa. The decision, announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, is part of a broader strategy to align tertiary education with Nigeria's economic development priorities, emphasising technical education, human capital development, and the full exploitation of the country's solid minerals sector.
The upgrade followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District. The senator argued that a dedicated institution would leverage Nasarawa State's comparative advantage in solid minerals and contribute to Nigeria's broader industrialisation drive.
What the New University Will Offer
According to the presidential directive, the new university is expected to deliver specialised programmes in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The institution is designed to produce technically skilled graduates capable of driving value addition and supporting sustainable exploitation of the country's mineral wealth. The statement described the approval as a deliberate move to establish institutions that respond directly to Nigeria's economic needs rather than replicating existing general university offerings.
Next Steps for the Conversion
Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant government agencies to begin the processes required to formalise the upgrade in line with applicable laws and regulations. The President reaffirmed that his administration views education as a central pillar of economic growth, job creation, and national development, and pledged continued investment in the sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
As reported by Vanguard, the conversion is expected to enhance the capacity of Nigeria's tertiary education system to address specific industrial needs, particularly in the mining and engineering sectors. The Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, will be the first of its kind in the region, aiming to attract students and researchers focused on solid minerals and related technologies.
