The Federal Government has approved take-off grants of N2 billion each for the newly established Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State, to support their early operations.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of principal officers appointed to lead the two institutions.
Those inaugurated include Prof. Nosiru Onibon, pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja; Prof. Adeola Oshikoya, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe; and Dr Angela Ajala, who assumed office as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Presenting their letters of appointment in Abuja, Alausa said the establishment of the institutions forms part of the Federal Government’s strategy to expand access to higher education and strengthen the country’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.
He said the approved grants would enable the institutions to establish basic administrative and academic structures as they begin operations.
“Every child in this country deserves access to the highest quality education comparable to global standards,” the minister said.
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“The appointees were carefully selected based on their track records and contributions to Nigeria’s education sector.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. You have been chosen from millions of Nigerians to serve your country, and this recognition extends to your families as well,” he added.
Alausa noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s education system to produce skilled manpower required for national development.
He urged the newly appointed officials to provide visionary leadership that would shape the character and long-term growth of the institutions.
The minister also described the locations of the new institutions as strategic, noting that they would harness the economic potential and human resources of their respective regions.
According to him, the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, is expected to focus on research and innovation in areas such as technological advancement, renewable energy, climate change response, disaster risk management and other fields critical to national development.
Alausa also congratulated Ajala on her appointment as NCCE Executive Secretary, stressing that teacher education remains central to improving the country’s overall education system.
