The Federal Government has approved a combined N4bn in take-off grants for two newly established tertiary institutions: the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Abuja and the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, in Lagos State.

Each institution will receive N2bn to support its foundational operations, including the development of core academic programmes, recruitment of staff and provision of essential infrastructure.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the funding while inaugurating the pioneer leadership of the two institutions in Abuja. He said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity in science, technology and innovation.

Those inaugurated include Prof Nosiru Onibon as the pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja, and Prof Adeola Oshikoya as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe. Dr Angela Ajala was also sworn in as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education.

Alausa explained that the appointees were chosen after a rigorous selection process that considered their track records in teaching, research and educational leadership. He urged them to see their appointments as a call to national service, noting that their decisions would shape the identity and long-term trajectory of the new institutions.

According to the minister, the take-off grants are intended to help the institutions quickly put in place basic administrative structures, laboratories, lecture facilities and support services required to admit their first sets of students.

He stressed that the polytechnic and the university were strategically sited to tap into the economic potential and human capital of their host communities. The Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, is expected to drive research and training in cutting-edge scientific fields, while the Abuja polytechnic will focus on producing technically skilled graduates for industry.

Alausa said both institutions are expected to prioritise programmes in technological innovation, renewable energy, climate change response, disaster risk management and other areas critical to Nigeria’s development agenda.

He also highlighted the central role of teacher education in improving learning outcomes nationwide, charging Ajala at the NCCE to strengthen standards in colleges of education and ensure that the country’s teachers are adequately prepared for modern classrooms.