The Federal Government has approved N2 billion each as take-off grants for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe in Epe, Lagos State, as part of efforts to support the early operations of the newly established institutions.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of key officials appointed to lead the institutions, according to Arise News.
Those inaugurated include Prof. Nosiru Onibon, who will serve as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja; Prof. Adeola Oshikoya, appointed as 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).
While presenting the letters of appointment in Abuja, Alausa said the establishment of the institutions was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.
“Every child in this country deserves access to the highest quality education comparable to global standards. The appointees were carefully selected based on their record of service and achievements across Nigeria’s educational institutions,” the minister said.
“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.
The minister noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on building a stronger education system capable of producing the skilled manpower required for national development.
According to him, the N2 billion take-off grants approved for each institution will help them establish essential administrative and academic structures as they begin operations.
Alausa also urged the newly appointed officials to provide strong leadership that would shape the identity and long-term development of the institutions.
He explained that both the university in Epe and the polytechnic in Abuja were strategically located to harness the economic potential and human resources available in the two regions.
The minister added that the institutions are expected to prioritise areas such as technological innovation, renewable energy, climate change response, disaster risk management, and other research fields critical to national development.
Alausa also congratulated Ajala on her appointment as NCCE Executive Secretary, emphasising the importance of teacher education to the development of Nigeria’s education system.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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