Federal Government Approves ₦2 Billion Education Funding for Epe University and Tinubu Federal Polytechnic

The Federal Government has approved a take-off grant of ₦2 billion each for the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe in Lagos State, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja to support their early development and operational activities.

The funding is expected to provide the institutions with the financial foundation required to establish infrastructure, recruit personnel, and begin academic programmes as part of broader efforts to expand access to quality tertiary education across Nigeria.

The government also inaugurated the pioneer leadership teams of the institutions as part of moves to strengthen governance and administrative structures within the country’s higher education system.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented official appointment letters to the newly appointed principal officers during an inauguration ceremony held in Abuja.

Among those inaugurated were Prof. Nosiru Onibon as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja; Prof. Adeola Oshikoya as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe; and Dr. Angela Ajala as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education.

Speaking at the event, the Minister explained that the creation of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic is part of a national strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.

He noted that the establishment of the institutions goes beyond expanding the number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. According to him, the initiative is designed to widen access to high-quality education while equipping young Nigerians with the skills required to compete globally.

Dr. Alausa emphasised that the new appointees were selected based on their professional records and long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s education sector.

He urged them to recognise the weight of the responsibility entrusted to them and to build strong academic and administrative systems that will guide the institutions for many years.

The minister stated that the government expects the new institutions to contribute meaningfully to addressing major national challenges such as food security, climate change, renewable energy development, public health, and technological advancement.

He added that the choice of locations for the institutions was strategic. According to him, Epe in Lagos State and Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory offer strong economic potential and access to human capital that can drive innovation and research.

The Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic are expected to develop into centres of academic excellence, particularly in areas such as technological innovation, renewable energy research, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and sustainable development studies.

The Minister also congratulated Dr. Angela Ajala on her appointment as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, stressing the importance of teacher training to Nigeria’s educational development.

He noted that improving teacher education remains a top priority for the Federal Government, adding that strong leadership at the commission would help maintain high standards in colleges of education nationwide.

Dr. Alausa further encouraged the newly appointed leaders to lay solid institutional foundations that will support academic growth, research excellence, and long-term development.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the newly inaugurated officers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work diligently to strengthen their respective institutions and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s education system.