The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities to rehabilitate engineering workshops and procure modern equipment.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention targets the rehabilitation of engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and conventional universities across the country.
Beneficiary institutions include Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Technology, Babura, Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Others are African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and University of Ilesa.
Alausa said the funds would be used to upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.
He explained that the initiative, implemented through TETFund, is designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements.
According to the minister, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification.
“The High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops and research facilities, positioning our institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem solving.
“However, funding alone does not guarantee results. Success depends on effective implementation, strict adherence to standards, transparency and accountability, which is why this committee is both necessary and timely,” he said.
He tasked the committee with monitoring project execution, ensuring compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluating outcomes, identifying challenges and providing objective reports to guide policy decisions.
Alausa added that an additional N20 billion had been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, appreciated the President for approving reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s education sector.
Echono described the inauguration as part of broader efforts to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen teaching and learning infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and chairman of the committee, pledged the panel’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Rabiu said the committee would justify the confidence reposed in it and contribute meaningfully to the success of the intervention.
