To boost engineering and science workshops in Nigerian universities, the Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected engineering and technology universities in the country.
The fund, which is to rehabilitate, construct workshops and procure modern equipment, is meant to close existing gaps between theory and practical capabilities of engineering students.
Inaugurating the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja, on Monday, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa,said that the intervention is a strategic national investment in Nigeria’s future engineers, technologists, innovators, and industrial leaders.
According to him, the selected schools are on the basis of the six geopolitical zones in the country.
Dr. Alausa listed the beneficiary universities to include Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, FUT Akure, FUT Babura, FUT Ikot-Abasi, FUT Owerri, and Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Also to benefit are African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and University of Ilesha, Osun.
The funds, he said, would either be utilized to upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where there is no existing one.
The Minister also said that the initiative,which is being implemented through TETFund, is aimed to strengthen practical training and close the gap between theory and industry requirements.
He stressed that the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s, administration, 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.
The special intervention, he added, would provide modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to improve graduate employability.
According to him, additional N20 billion has been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.
Noting that the Committee is not a ceremonial one, the Minister said it is a monitoring, evaluation, and implementation committee with a clear results-oriented mandate.
The Terms of Reference, he said, included "Monitoring the rehabilitation of existing Engineering and Technology faculty workshops across beneficiary universities;
Ensuring the proper equipping of Engineering and Technology workshops in line with approved standards;
"Provide recommendation for the design and construction of new Engineering and Technology workshops, where required;
Monitoring execution, compliance, and utilisation of intervention funds in line with public procurement laws and transparency principles;
"Maintaining comprehensive digital records of projects executed; Collating and submitting periodic implementation reports to the Honourable Minister of Education, Honourable Minister of State for Education and Executive Secretary of TETFund, on a bi-monthly basis or sooner if need be.
"Ensuring accountability, value for money, and measurable outcomes across all project sites. Recommend appropriate sanctions to non-compliant Universities, and Carry out any other function that may arise during the full implementation of the Special High Impact Intervention Project given to it by the Honourable Minister of Education." he stated
The committee headed by the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Alhaji Ali Rabiu, has members from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NACIR), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), and representatives of the universities.
Accepting the assignment on behalf of the committee members, Ali Rabiu, assured the Committee's commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
He expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee members and their respective Organisations, stressing that they will contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative.
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, commended President Tinubu for approving the reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.
He described the event as one of several initiatives approved by the President to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen teaching and learning infrastructure in the country.
The Executive Secretary also appreciated the National Assembly for efforts towards restoring first and second generation universities to global standards.
In her opening remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, noted that engineering and technology education are fundamental to Nigeria’s aspirations for industrialization, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
She said "No nation can achieve meaningful development without strong capacity in science, engineering, and technology.
"The High Impact Intervention Project is therefore a strategic initiative designed to upgrade laboratories, workshops, and research facilities, and to position our institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem-solving. " she stated