The Federal Government has approved the sum of N4 billion each for 12 selected universities to upgrade their engineering and technology facilities across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Monday during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.
According to the minister, the intervention is aimed at rehabilitating engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and other conventional universities. The funds will be used to repair old workshops, build new ones where necessary, and provide modern equipment for practical learning.
The beneficiary institutions include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Technology, Babura, Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Others are the Nigerian Army University, Biu, African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and the University of Ilesa.
Although 12 universities were selected, officials said the list covers institutions focused on engineering, science, and technology education, which are seen as key to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Dr. Alausa explained that the funding would either upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops, depending on the needs of each institution.
The minister said the intervention, which will be implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, is designed to strengthen practical training in universities and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements.
For many years, stakeholders in the education sector have raised concerns about the poor state of laboratories and workshops in Nigerian universities. In some institutions, students learn engineering mostly through theory, with limited access to modern tools and machines.
Education experts say this has contributed to a mismatch between university training and the needs of industries. Employers often complain that many graduates lack practical skills required in the workplace.
Dr. Alausa said the High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic effort to address these challenges.
“The project is aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops, and research facilities, and positioning our institutions as centres of innovation and practical problem solving,” he said.
He stressed that funding alone would not guarantee success. According to him, effective implementation, transparency, and accountability are necessary to ensure value for money.
The minister told members of the implementation committee that their task is to monitor project execution, ensure compliance with approved standards and timelines, evaluate results, identify challenges, and submit objective reports.
“You are entrusted with safeguarding public investment and ensuring value for money,” he said. “Every facility delivered must reflect quality, sustainability, and relevance to national needs.”
Dr. Alausa added that the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which focuses on skills development, job creation, and economic diversification.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy must move beyond dependence on oil revenue. According to him, strengthening engineering education is important for building industries, creating jobs, and promoting local production.
The minister also disclosed that an additional N20 billion has been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions that are not part of the current list.
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education system.
He described the inauguration ceremony as one of several initiatives designed to reposition tertiary institutions and improve teaching and learning infrastructure.
Echono also commended the National Assembly for its support in providing funding and restoring older universities to global standards. He said strong infrastructure is necessary if Nigerian universities are to compete internationally.
Speaking on behalf of the implementation committee members, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, pledged that the committee would carry out its duties with seriousness and integrity.
Rabiu described the assignment as a great honour and thanked the government for the confidence placed in the committee and their respective organisations.
“The committee accepts this responsibility and will contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative,” he said.
He also commended the federal government for focusing on practical, hands-on training in engineering programmes.
The TETFund was established in 2011 to manage and disburse education tax collected from companies operating in Nigeria. Over the years, the agency has funded the construction of lecture halls, libraries, hostels, and research centres in public tertiary institutions.
However, many universities still struggle with outdated equipment and overcrowded facilities. Observers say targeted interventions like the current engineering upgrade project could help address specific gaps.
Students and lecturers in some of the beneficiary institutions have welcomed the development, saying it could improve learning and research. They expressed hope that the funds would be released and managed properly.
With the inauguration of the implementation committee, attention will now turn to how quickly the projects are executed and whether the new facilities will meet international standards.
If properly implemented, the N4 billion allocation to each of the 12 universities could mark a major step toward improving engineering education in Nigeria and preparing graduates for the demands of modern industries.
