FG Approves ₦4bn Take-Off Grants for Tinubu Polytechnic, Epe Varsity
The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦4 billion as take-off grants for two newly established tertiary institutions in Nigeria — the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences Epe in Lagos State.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the approval during the inauguration of principal officers for the institutions in Abuja. According to him, each institution will receive ₦2 billion to support their initial operations, infrastructure development and administrative setup.
Alausa said the financial support forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand access to higher education and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.
He explained that the take-off grants would enable the institutions to establish essential academic and administrative structures as they prepare to commence full academic activities. During the ceremony, the government also inaugurated the pioneer leadership of the new institutions.
Nosiru Onibon was sworn in as the pioneer rector of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, while Adeola Oshikoya was inaugurated as the pioneer vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Epe.
The minister urged the newly appointed leaders to build strong academic foundations, promote research and ensure that the institutions become centres of excellence in innovation and technology-driven education.
He noted that the new university in Epe is expected to focus on critical areas such as environmental sciences, climate change, renewable energy and technological development, while the polytechnic will concentrate on technical and vocational training aimed at producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s economy.
Education stakeholders say the establishment of the two institutions and the approval of take-off funds could help improve access to tertiary education and support the country’s drive toward industrial and technological development.
