Twelve tertiary institutions across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones will receive ₦48 billion approved by the Federal Government to enhance their Faculties of Engineering and Technology.
Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, inaugurated the Ministerial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Implementation Committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja yesterday, explaining that the initiative ensures transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to project timelines in executing the interventions.
The beneficiary institutions comprise both federal and state owned universities, including Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State; African Aviation University, Abuja; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State; Nigeria Army University Biu, Borno State; Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State; Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto State; Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State; Enugu State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Enugu State; Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State; Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State; Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State; and University of Ilesha, Osun State.
Alausa decried the disconnect between classroom theory and practical skills among engineering and technology graduates, noting that this shortfall reduces their employability, undermines industry confidence, and hampers Nigeria's ability to compete effectively in the global technology arena.
The minister explained that, in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the project aims to turn universities into centres for practical training, applied research, innovation, and solution oriented learning, shifting away from a mainly theoretical approach.
The committee monitoring the project is headed by the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, among other scholars who will ensure proper implementation across the selected institutions.
The intervention represents a significant federal investment in technical education infrastructure, targeting institutions spread across different regions to ensure balanced development of engineering and technology training capacity nationwide.
The approved funding addresses long standing concerns about the quality of engineering education in Nigerian universities, where inadequate laboratory equipment, outdated facilities, and limited practical training opportunities have hindered graduates' readiness for the workforce and technological innovation sectors.
