President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering, and Technology, Nasarawa.

A statement on Friday by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the approval aligns with Mr Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening technical education, developing human capital, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.

Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District. The senator had said the specialised institution would harness Nasarawa State’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

According to the presidential directive, the specialised university will provide world-class education, research, and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.

He said the institution would also produce “the skilled workforce required to drive value addition, technological advancement, and sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.”

Mr Onanuga said the approval reflects the president’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs and leverage its competitive advantages.

“The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant agencies to commence the processes necessary to implement the conversion in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he said.

Mr Onanuga added that Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to invest in education as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.