By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected engineering and technology universities to rehabilitate workshops and procure modern equipment.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention targets the rehabilitation of Engineering and Technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology (FUTs) and conventional universities nationwide.

NAN reports that beneficiary institutions include FUT Minna, FUT Akure, FUT Babura, FUT Ikot-Abasi, FUT Owerri, and Nigerian Army University, Biu.

Other beneficiaries are African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and University of Ilesha, Osun.

Alausa said the funds would either upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.

He explained that the initiative, implemented through TETFund, was 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 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.

“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,” he said.

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.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, 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.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, 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. (NAN)

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