FG approves N4bn take-off grants for Tinubu poly, Epe varsity
The Federal Government has approved a total of N4 billion as take-off grants for two newly established tertiary institutions. Each institution is allocated N2 billion to facilitate the establishment of administrative and academic structures.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during the inauguration of the pioneer leadership for these schools.
The Beneficiary InstitutionsBola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja: Located in the Federal Capital Territory.Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe: Located in Lagos State.
Newly Appointed Leadership
As part of the operational rollout, the following pioneer officials were inaugurated to lead the institutions:
Prof. Nosiru Onibon: Pioneer Rector of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic.
Prof. Adeola Oshikoya: Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe.
Dr. Angela Ajala: Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Strategic Objectives
According to the Minister, these institutions are designed to:
Bridge Skills Gaps: Focus on technological innovation, renewable energy, and climate change response.
Increase Access: Expand opportunities for higher education in the FCT and South-West regions.
Economic Impact: Harness the human capital and economic potential of their respective locations to drive national development.
This move aligns with the government's broader "Renewed Hope" agenda, which recently also saw the approval of N4 billion each for 12 existing universities to upgrade their engineering and technology faculties.
As these institutions were only formally inaugurated and funded on March 12, 2026, they are currently in their "take-off" phase. While specific departmental brochures aren't out yet, the Federal Ministry of Education and the newly appointed leadership have outlined the following roadmap for their academic launch:
Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe
The university is designed to address the seven-year ban on new federal institutions by focusing strictly on high-demand, specialized technical fields.
Primary Academic Focus:
Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Civil, and Chemical Engineering.
Advanced Tech: Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Computer Science.
Environmental & Energy: Renewable Energy, Climate Change Response, and Disaster Risk Management.
Admission Timeline:
2026/2027 Session: The university is expected to appear in the JAMB Change of Institution portal soon.
Since JAMB registration for 2026 officially closed on February 26, 2026, the school will likely admit its first batch through a Post-UTME screening for candidates who choose to switch their first choice to the new university.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic, Abuja
This will be the first federal polytechnic located within the FCT, aimed at bridging the technical skills gap in the capital.
Expected Programs (National Diploma/HND):
Applied Sciences: Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).
Engineering Technology: Electrical/Electronic and Computer Engineering.
Management: Business Administration, Accountancy, and Public Administration.
Innovation Hubs: The Minister highlighted a focus on "technological innovation" and "sustainable research."
Admission Timeline:
Technical Rollout: Applications are expected to open in the second half of 2026 following the setup of the administrative registry by the new Rector, Prof. Nosiru Onibon.
Important Note for Applicants
Student Loans: Both institutions are immediately eligible for the NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund). If you or someone you know is planning to apply, the application portal at nelf.gov.ng is currently active for the upcoming session.
JAMB Updates: Keep an eye on the JAMB portal for "Change of Course/Institution" updates, as these schools will be added to the official list of federal institutions shortly.
