To bolster technical and vocational education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the establishment of a new Federal Polytechnic in Abuja, to be named after President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed this development in a letter dated January 9, 2025, addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The initiative aligns with the government’s policy to ensure that every state in Nigeria is equipped with a federal polytechnic, thereby enhancing technological and vocational training across the country.
In the correspondence, Minister Alausa requested the FCT Minister to propose suitable locations within Gwarinpa Estate for both the temporary and permanent sites of the new institution. A technical team from the Ministry of Education, along with representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), is expected to conduct inspections of the proposed sites to facilitate the establishment process.
This development follows recent efforts by the NBTE to revitalize polytechnic education nationwide. In September 2024, the NBTE inaugurated the Nigerian Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF) Council, aimed at addressing pressing challenges faced by polytechnics in Nigeria. The foundation’s mission includes fostering academic innovation, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting industry collaboration, and facilitating international partnerships. The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, emphasized that the polytechnic system should serve as the engine driving Nigeria’s economic development and industrial growth.
The establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Abuja named after President Tinubu underscores the government’s commitment to expanding access to technical education and honoring individuals who have contributed to the nation’s development. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality and reach of technical education in Nigeria, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the global labor market.
