Tinubu Converts Nasarawa Polytechnic to Mining University

President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a move aimed at strengthening technical education and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.

The approval was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision aligns with the administration’s commitment to human capital development and economic transformation through specialised education.

According to the presidency, the new university will focus on producing highly skilled graduates and advancing research in areas critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth and the sustainable development of the mining sector.

Proposal backed by senator

The presidency disclosed that the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

According to the statement, the lawmaker presented a case for establishing a specialised university that would leverage Nasarawa State’s rich deposits of solid minerals while supporting the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.

The proposal was considered in line with ongoing efforts to create institutions that address sector-specific manpower needs and equip young Nigerians with practical and technical skills.

Focus on mining and engineering

The presidential directive explained that the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology will provide world-class education, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

It noted that the institution is expected to produce the skilled workforce required to drive value addition across the mining industry, promote technological advancement and encourage the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The government believes that expanding access to specialised training in these fields will enhance the country’s competitiveness and reduce dependence on imported technical expertise.

Aligning education with economic priorities

The statement said the conversion reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with the economic priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It added that the administration remains focused on establishing specialised institutions capable of addressing national development challenges while leveraging the comparative advantages of different states.

According to the presidency, strengthening technical and vocational education remains essential to achieving economic diversification, industrial expansion and long-term national prosperity.

Implementation process begins

President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to begin the administrative and legal processes required to implement the conversion.

The agencies are expected to ensure that the transition from a federal polytechnic to a specialised university is carried out in accordance with existing laws, regulations and educational standards.

The government said the implementation process would involve the necessary approvals and institutional arrangements required for the successful take-off of the university.

Commitment to education and development

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation and national development.

The presidency maintained that expanding specialised higher education will help produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support Nigeria’s industrial ambitions and maximise opportunities in the solid minerals sector.

The upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, to a specialised federal university is expected to strengthen research, innovation and workforce development while positioning Nasarawa State as a major centre for mining and engineering education in Nigeria.