President Bola Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, as part of efforts to strengthen technical education and boost the country’s solid minerals sector.

The approval was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the decision is in line with the administration’s commitment to developing human capital and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.

“The upgrade is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening technical education, developing human capital, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential,” the statement said.

The Presidency disclosed that the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, seeking the establishment of a specialised institution to harness the state’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

It said the new university would focus on providing specialised education and research in key sectors of the economy.

“According to the presidential directive, the specialised university will provide world-class education, research, and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, while producing the skilled workforce required to drive value addition, technological advancement, and sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources,” the statement read.

The Presidency added that the approval underscores the administration’s determination to align tertiary education with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs and leverage its competitive advantages,” the statement added.

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

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the education sector, the President said his government would continue to prioritise investment in education.

“President Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in education as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity,” the statement said.