The Federal Government (FG) has approved N2 billion each as take-off grants for the newly established Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe in Lagos State to support their early administrative and academic operations.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of key officials appointed to lead the institutions.
Among those inaugurated were Nosiru Onibon, who will serve as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, and Adeola Oshikoya, appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe. Also inaugurated was Angela Ajala, who assumed office as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Speaking while presenting the letters of appointment in Abuja, Alausa said the creation of the two institutions reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening the country’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.
According to the minister, the N2 billion take-off grant for each institution will enable them to establish essential administrative systems, recruit personnel and develop foundational academic structures needed for their operations.
“Every child in this country deserves access to the highest quality education comparable to global standards,” Alausa said. “The appointees were carefully selected based on their record of service and achievements across Nigeria’s educational institutions.”
He added that the appointments were both a recognition of the individuals’ professional accomplishments and a call to national service.
“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 said.
The minister emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on building a stronger education system capable of producing skilled manpower for national development.
Alausa noted that both institutions were strategically located to harness the economic potential and human capital available in their respective regions.
He explained that the Federal University of Science and Technology in Epe is expected to focus on specialised areas such as technological innovation, renewable energy, climate change response and disaster risk management. These fields, he said, are critical to addressing Nigeria’s development challenges and improving the country’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
Similarly, the new federal polytechnic in Abuja will play a key role in strengthening technical and vocational education, which the government views as essential for industrial growth and job creation.
The minister also congratulated Ajala on her appointment as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, stressing that teacher training remains fundamental to improving the quality of Nigeria’s education system.
He urged all the newly appointed officials to provide strong leadership that would shape the identity, standards and long-term development of their institutions.
