President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a move aimed at strengthening technical education and unlocking Nigeria’s solid minerals potential.

The approval, announced on Friday, is part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to develop human capital, promote innovation and align tertiary education with the country’s industrialisation and economic development goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, who advocated the establishment of a specialised institution to harness Nasarawa State’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector.

The statement said the new university would serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, research and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

It added that the institution would produce the skilled workforce needed to drive value addition, technological advancement and the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The Presidency said the approval underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tertiary education system to address critical national development priorities through specialised institutions tailored to the country’s economic needs and competitive strengths.

To facilitate the transition, the President directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and other relevant government agencies to begin the processes required to implement the conversion in line with applicable laws and regulations.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a strategic tool for driving economic growth, innovation, job creation and national prosperity.