President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.
The decision was made public in a statement released on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Presidency said the upgrade was part of the Federal Government’s plan to improve technical education, build skilled manpower and support the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
The move followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for the creation of a specialised institution that would take advantage of Nasarawa State’s mineral resources and contribute to the country’s industrial development.
According to the Presidency, the new university will focus on education, research and innovation in areas such as mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.
The institution is expected to produce professionals with the skills needed to support mineral exploration, value addition and the sustainable use of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The Federal Government said the establishment of the specialised university aligns with its efforts to connect higher education with the nation’s economic needs and create institutions that support key sectors of development.State & Local Government
President Tinubu has also directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and other relevant agencies to commence the necessary procedures for the conversion in accordance with existing laws.
The Presidency added that the administration would continue to invest in education as a means of promoting economic growth, innovation, employment opportunities and national development.
