Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State has been selected as one of 12 universities in Nigeria to receive a portion of the Federal Government’s N48 billion approved for upgrading engineering workshops.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, on Monday, announced the federal government’s approval of N48 billion to 12 selected engineering and technology universities for the rehabilitation of workshops and the procurement of modern equipment
Alausa spoke in Abuja at the inauguration of the implementation committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) special high-impact intervention projects.
In a statement posted on X after the event, Alausa said N4 billion will be allocated to each institution.
“The intervention will rehabilitate and equip modern workshops and laboratories with cutting-edge, industry-relevant facilities to bridge the gap between theory and practical competence,” the minister said.
“Our goal is clear: to produce job-ready, innovation-driven, globally competitive graduates.”
According to him, the initiative targets the rehabilitation of engineering and technology faculties in federal universities of technology (FUTs) and conventional universities nationwide.
The beneficiary institutions include FUT Minna, FUT Akure, FUT Babura, FUT Ikot-Abasi, FUT Owerri, and Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Others are African Aviation and Aerospace University; Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto; Enugu State University of Science and Technology; and University of Ilesha, Osun state.
Alausa said the funds would either upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.
He noted that the initiative, implemented through TETFund, was designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements.
He added that the intervention aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola 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,” the minister said.
“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.
“Your mandate is clear: monitor project execution, ensure compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluate outcomes, identify challenges, and provide objective reports to guide policy decisions.
“You are entrusted with safeguarding public investment and ensuring value for money. Every facility delivered under this intervention must reflect quality, sustainability, and relevance to national needs.”
Alausa added that the special intervention would provide modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to improve graduate employability.
He further noted that an additional N20 billion had been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.
The minister tasked the committee with submitting periodic reports and recommending sanctions for non-compliant institutions to the ministry and TETFund.
Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFund, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.
Echono described the ceremony as one of several initiatives endorsed by the president to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen teaching and learning infrastructure.
He also commended the national assembly for its efforts to restore first- and second-generation universities to global standards.
Ali Rabiu, president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and chairman of the committee, pledged commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Rabiu said the assignment was a distinct honour and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee members and their respective organisations.
He said the committee accepted the responsibility and would contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative.
He also commended the federal government’s efforts to strengthen engineering training and promote hands-on interventions in universities.
• Addition report by TheCable
