Jul 11, 2026

Tinubu Upgrades Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to Federal University of Mining Engineering and Technology

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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ABUJA, Nigeria — In a significant boost to technical education and Nigeria’s mining industry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.

The presidential directive, announced on July 10, 2026, by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aligns with the administration’s commitment to strengthening skills-based learning, developing human capital, and unlocking the country’s vast solid minerals potential.

The upgrade follows a compelling proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

The senator highlighted Nasarawa State’s rich endowment in solid minerals and the need for a specialized institution to drive value addition, industrialization, and sustainable resource exploitation.

The new Federal University of Mining, Engineering, and Technology will focus on world-class education, research, and innovation in key areas including mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

It aims to produce a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification.

This development reflects President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria’s tertiary education system to address critical economic needs.

By establishing specialized universities, the administration aims to leverage regional comparative advantages — in this case, Nasarawa’s mineral resources — for broader national prosperity.

The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and relevant agencies to immediately commence implementation processes in line with applicable laws and regulations.

Nigeria possesses enormous untapped solid minerals wealth, yet the sector has historically faced challenges related to skills gaps, technology, and value chain development.

The new specialized university is expected to bridge these gaps by fostering research, innovation, and practical training tailored to the mining and engineering industries.

This move adds to ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to invest in education as a driver of job creation, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.

It comes at a time when stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing youth unemployment and supporting industrialization.

Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive, with many commending the focus on practical, sector-specific higher education that directly ties into Nigeria’s development goals.

As implementation begins, expectations are high that the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, will become a center of excellence in mineral resource development.

This upgrade represents another concrete step in President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s education landscape to meet the demands of a modern, resource-driven economy.