President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.

The approval is part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen technical education, develop human capital and harness Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, who advocated the establishment of a specialised institution to support the development of the solid minerals sector and Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

According to the presidential directive, the new university will focus on teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

The institution is also expected to produce the skilled workforce needed to drive value addition, technological advancement and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

President Tinubu said the upgrade reflects his administration’s commitment to aligning tertiary education with national development priorities through the establishment of specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs.

The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant agencies to begin the processes required to implement the conversion in line with existing laws and regulations.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, job creation and national prosperity.