The Federal Government has approved a total of N48bn for the rehabilitation and upgrade of engineering faculties in 12 selected universities across the country, allocating N4bn to each institution under a special high-impact intervention scheme.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.
The minister said the intervention targets engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and selected conventional universities, with a focus on rehabilitating workshops, upgrading laboratories and procuring modern, industry-relevant equipment.
The benefiting institutions include the Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University of Technology Akure, Federal University of Technology Owerri and the Nigerian Army University Biu.
Others are the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and the University of Ilesa, among others.
Alausa explained that the funds would be used either to upgrade existing facilities or construct new engineering workshops where necessary, stressing that the intervention was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and industry demands.
According to the minister, the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises skills development, innovation and economic diversification.
He said, “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.”
The minister charged the committee to monitor project execution, ensure compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluate outcomes, and recommend sanctions for non-compliant institutions.
Alausa further disclosed that an additional N20bn had been captured in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to support the upgrade of engineering facilities in other selected institutions.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended the President for approving reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s tertiary education system and strengthening teaching and learning infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the implementation committee, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, who chairs the panel, described the assignment as a distinct honour and pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring transparency and value for money.
Rabiu said the committee would submit periodic reports and work closely with the Ministry of Education and TETFund to ensure that the intervention translates into improved practical training and enhanced employability of engineering graduates.
The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasised that strengthening engineering education remains critical to driving industrial growth, local manufacturing and technological innovation in the country.
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