Tinubu Upgrades Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to University of Mining, Engineering and Technology
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a move aimed at strengthening technical education and advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Presidency, which described the decision as part of the administration’s commitment to developing human capital and unlocking the country’s vast mineral resources through specialised education and research.
According to the statement, the new university will focus on providing world-class education and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies. The institution is expected to produce highly skilled graduates capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda and promoting sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral wealth.The Presidency explained that the upgrade followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District. The senator argued that Nasarawa State, with its abundant deposits of solid minerals, is well positioned to host a specialised university dedicated to mining and engineering.
President Tinubu also directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to begin the legal and administrative processes required to complete the transition from a polytechnic to a specialised federal university.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant boost to science, technology and engineering education in Nigeria. They noted that the institution would help bridge the country’s skills gap in the mining sector while promoting research, innovation and value addition to mineral resources.
Analysts also believe the specialised university could attract investment, create employment opportunities and strengthen Nasarawa State’s position as a major hub for mining education and research in Africa.The upgrade aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy by reducing dependence on crude oil and expanding the contribution of the solid minerals sector to national development.With the transformation of the institution, prospective students and researchers are expected to benefit from specialised academic programmes designed to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s mining, engineering and manufacturing industries.
