The Federal Government has approved take-off grants of N2bn each for the newly established Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe in Lagos State, in a move aimed at strengthening the foundation of the institutions and accelerating their early operations.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development on Thursday during the inauguration of key officials appointed to lead the institutions. The ceremony, which took place in Abuja, marked a significant step in the Federal Government’s plan to expand higher education opportunities and promote science and technology development across the country.
According to the minister, the take-off grants would enable the institutions to establish essential administrative structures, develop academic facilities and recruit staff needed to commence full academic activities.
Alausa noted that the establishment of the institutions forms part of broader reforms by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve access to quality tertiary education while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in innovation, research and technological advancement.
During the ceremony, the minister presented appointment letters to several newly appointed leaders who will guide the institutions in their formative years.
Among them was Nosiru Onibon, who was inaugurated as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja. As the first head of the institution, Onibon is expected to oversee the development of academic programmes, staff recruitment and the establishment of institutional frameworks that will shape the polytechnic’s future.
Also inaugurated was Adeola Oshikoya, who will serve as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe. Oshikoya is expected to lead the university’s mission of producing highly skilled graduates in science, engineering and emerging technologies.
In addition, Angela Ajala assumed office as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing teacher education programmes in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration, Alausa stressed that the Federal Government was committed to strengthening Nigeria’s educational system through strategic investments in new institutions, especially those focused on science and technology.
He explained that the take-off grants were designed to provide the new institutions with the financial stability required to begin operations without delay.
“These institutions are expected to play a crucial role in expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths while contributing to national development through innovation, research and technology-driven solutions,” the minister said.
He further urged the newly appointed officials to demonstrate strong leadership and accountability as they build the institutions from the ground up.
Education stakeholders have described the establishment of the institutions as a positive step toward addressing the increasing demand for tertiary education in Nigeria.
Over the years, thousands of qualified candidates seeking admission into universities and polytechnics have been unable to secure placements due to limited capacity within existing institutions.
Analysts believe that the creation of specialised institutions such as the Federal University of Science and Technology in Epe could also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global knowledge economy by focusing on research and innovation in emerging fields.
Similarly, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic is expected to contribute to the development of technical and vocational education, equipping students with practical skills needed in various sectors of the economy.
The Federal Government has repeatedly emphasised that expanding tertiary education infrastructure remains a key strategy for addressing youth unemployment, improving productivity and supporting national development.
With the appointment of their pioneer leadership and the release of the take-off grants, both institutions are expected to begin laying the groundwork for academic programmes, infrastructure development and student admissions in the coming years.
Education observers say the success of the institutions will depend largely on effective leadership, sustained funding and collaboration with industry partners to ensure that graduates are equipped with skills relevant to the modern economy.
The inauguration ceremony therefore marked not just the appointment of new leaders, but the beginning of what the government hopes will become two major centres of learning and innovation in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
