Tinubu upgrades Federal Polytechnic to specialised university

President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, in a major boost to technical education, mining research and Nigeria’s drive to unlock the full economic potential of its solid minerals sector.

The approval, announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition higher education to meet the country’s industrial, technological and economic development needs.

According to the Presidency, the decision followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, for the establishment of a specialised federal university that would leverage Nasarawa State’s vast mineral deposits to produce highly skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable development in the mining industry.

President Tinubu said the new university would become a national centre of excellence dedicated to teaching, research, innovation and manpower development in critical fields such as mining engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, geosciences, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics and other emerging technologies that are shaping the future of global industrialisation.

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He said the institution would play a strategic role in producing the skilled workforce needed to support Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the mining sector, promote value addition to the country’s abundant mineral resources and reduce dependence on imported technical expertise.

The President noted that the conversion aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on education, innovation, industrialisation, economic diversification and human capital development as pillars of sustainable national growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s vast deposits of lithium, gold, limestone, tin, columbite and several other strategic minerals present enormous opportunities for economic transformation, but these opportunities can only be fully realised through investments in education, research and technology.

“The establishment of this specialised university will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to develop indigenous expertise in mining and engineering while supporting innovation, industrial growth and sustainable management of the nation’s mineral resources,” the Presidency stated.

To ensure a seamless transition, President Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant government agencies to begin the legal, administrative and regulatory processes required to transform the polytechnic into a fully operational federal university.

The transition is expected to include curriculum expansion, accreditation of degree programmes, recruitment of additional academic and non-academic staff, upgrading of laboratories and research facilities, as well as the establishment of governance structures in line with the standards of the National Universities Commission.

The approval comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy through increased investment, local processing of mineral resources and technological innovation.

In recent months, the Federal Government has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening mining education and research, including the Mining Technology and Resource Innovation UniPod at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The initiative is designed to transform Nigerian universities into innovation hubs capable of supporting industrialisation, research commercialisation and entrepreneurship in the mining sector.

The approval also follows the recent commissioning of one of Africa’s largest lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, a project expected to enhance local value addition, create employment opportunities and position Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals value chain.

Education experts say the establishment of the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa will significantly expand access to specialised higher education while strengthening research, innovation and collaboration between academia, government and industry.

The new institution is also expected to attract local and international partnerships, encourage investment in advanced research and produce graduates with the technical skills required to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s mining, manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors.

Stakeholders have described the conversion as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, noting that specialised universities remain critical to achieving the country’s long-term goals of industrialisation, job creation, technological advancement and economic diversification.

With the presidential approval now secured, the Federal Government is expected to commence the appointment of principal officers, establish the university’s governing council and complete other transitional arrangements necessary for the institution to begin operations as the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.

The development is expected to further strengthen Nasarawa State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading mining hubs while providing students with expanded opportunities to acquire world-class education and practical skills in disciplines that are central to the country’s economic future.

Tinubu upgrades Federal Polytechnic to specialised university

Ansar-Ud-Deen appoints AGF Lateef Fagbemi as Summit University pro-chancellor

The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has appointed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State.

The appointment was formally announced on Thursday during a ceremony at the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in Abuja, where the Society presented Fagbemi with his letter of appointment.

The presentation was led by the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and Visitor to Summit University, Prince Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), alongside members of the Society’s National Executive Committee. The delegation included Deputy National President, Dr. Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf; Vice President (Northern States Council), Alhaji Najeem Yasin; First National Assistant Secretary, Dr. Sheu Luqman Sambo; Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Prof. Musa Aibinu; Missioner of the Society’s Abuja Branch, Prof. Musa Olaofe; and Chairman of the Abuja Branch, Alhaji Kabiru Olaiyiwola.

Speaking during the ceremony, Kazeem described Fagbemi’s appointment as the outcome of a transparent, merit-based and unanimous decision of the Society’s National Executive Council. He said the appointment recognises the Attorney General’s distinguished legal career, decades of public service, professional integrity and unwavering commitment to the educational vision of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria.

According to him, Fagbemi’s extensive leadership experience will provide strategic direction for the university’s Governing Council while strengthening Summit University’s commitment to academic excellence, sound governance, cutting-edge research, innovation and character development.

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Kazeem also praised the Attorney General for his longstanding support for the Society’s educational programmes and institutions, particularly his contributions to the growth of Ansar-Ud-Deen in Kwara State and his continued commitment to advancing education across Nigeria.

Responding, Fagbemi expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Society for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as a privilege and a call to greater service.

He pledged to discharge the responsibilities of his office with diligence, transparency and integrity, while working closely with the Governing Council, university management, staff, students and other stakeholders to advance the institution’s strategic objectives.

The Attorney General said he would support initiatives aimed at strengthening academic quality, institutional governance, research, innovation, infrastructure development and global competitiveness, ensuring that Summit University continues to produce graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Established by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Summit University, Offa, is one of Nigeria’s fast-growing faith-based private universities. Since receiving its operating licence from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2015, the institution has expanded its academic offerings across science, computing, engineering, management, humanities and social sciences while earning recognition for its emphasis on technology-driven education, entrepreneurship and moral values.

The university has also intensified efforts to broaden its academic footprint with plans to establish new colleges, including Law and Health Sciences, alongside increased investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technology, digital innovation and industry partnerships. The expansion is aimed at positioning Summit University among Nigeria’s leading centres for research, innovation and workforce development.

As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Fagbemi is expected to provide policy direction and strategic oversight that will guide the university’s next phase of growth, strengthen institutional governance and enhance its reputation within Nigeria and the global higher education community.

Ansar-Ud-Deen appoints AGF Lateef Fagbemi as Summit University pro-chancellor

NANS exposes 43 institutions over alleged failure to refund NELFUND tuition fees

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused 43 tertiary institutions across Nigeria of withholding tuition refunds after allegedly receiving duplicate payments from both students and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, released the list of the affected institutions, alleging that the schools collected tuition fees directly from students before later receiving NELFUND disbursements for the same beneficiaries without refunding the initial payments.

According to him, the institutions comprise universities, polytechnics and colleges of education spread across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Afeez said publishing the names of the institutions was aimed at promoting transparency and compelling the affected schools to immediately refund the students’ money.

The institutions listed include Adamawa State University, Mubi; Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; Federal College of Education, Yola; Kaduna State Polytechnic; Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma; University of Education, Akamkpa; University of Uyo; Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal University, Lafia; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Federal College of Forestry, Plateau State; Federal University of Education, Pankshin; Federal Polytechnic, Nyak; Plateau State University, Bokkos; Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; Federal University of Education, Zaria; Imo State University, Owerri; Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; Federal College of Education, Katsina; College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia; University of Ilorin; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; University of Ilesa; Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; University of Calabar; Rivers State University; Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt; Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe; and Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.

The action by NANS follows a recent public notice issued by NELFUND, which condemned what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions.

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In the statement signed by the Fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND expressed concern that some institutions had delayed or refused to refund students whose tuition fees had already been paid before the Fund released payments on their behalf. The agency also raised concerns over arbitrary increases in institutional charges.

According to NELFUND, the Student Loan Scheme introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu was created to remove financial barriers preventing qualified Nigerians from accessing higher education, rather than creating additional financial burdens for students and their families.

The Fund disclosed that it had commenced engagements with the affected institutions and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that eligible students receive their refunds promptly while also addressing concerns over excessive or unjustified charges.

The Student Loan Scheme, established under the Student Loans Act, began disbursing interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions in 2024 and has since paid billions of naira in tuition and upkeep support to eligible beneficiaries nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports alleging that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed the suspension of the recruitment of newly employed staff at NELFUND.

The ministry’s reaction followed media reports quoting NELFUND Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akintunde Sawyerr, as saying that the minister ordered an embargo on employment after dozens of workers were recruited in January 2025.

However, credible sources within the ministry described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that no approval was granted by the NELFUND Board for the recruitment exercise.

According to the sources, the agency’s management neither reviewed nor approved any recruitment plan before the exercise was carried out.

They further disclosed that NELFUND Board Chairman, Jim Ovia, had earlier directed that the recruitment process be halted after a management meeting in Lagos, maintaining that the exercise was unnecessary at the time.

The sources also revealed that the chairman instructed that individuals recruited through the exercise should not be placed on the organisation’s payroll pending a comprehensive review of staffing levels and organisational structure.

Describing the current staffing situation at NELFUND as alarming, ministry officials claimed that nearly 80 per cent of the agency’s workforce is redundant.

According to the officials, the issue was discussed extensively during a recent management meeting where senior leaders agreed that urgent reforms were required to address the redundancy challenge before additional employees could be engaged.

The ministry maintained that the intervention by the Minister of Education was aimed at ensuring transparency, regulatory compliance and the long-term sustainability of the agency.

Despite the ongoing controversy over recruitment, NELFUND continues to implement the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme, providing interest-free tuition and upkeep loans to eligible Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions as part of efforts to expand access to higher education.

NANS exposes 43 institutions over alleged failure to refund NELFUND tuition fees