By Ene Rebecca
July 11, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conversion and upgrade of several tertiary institutions across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen specialised learning in key sectors of the economy.
The approvals affect a number of federal institutions that have either been converted from polytechnics to universities or upgraded to federal university status through legislation passed by the National Assembly and subsequently signed into law by the President.
Among the institutions affected is the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, which has been upgraded to the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa, a move aimed at supporting Nigeria’s growing demand for specialised manpower in the mining and engineering sectors.
Similarly, the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, has been converted into the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, becoming the first federal university located in Ogun West Senatorial District.
In another development within the tertiary education sector, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), formerly owned by the Ogun State Government, was taken over by the Federal Government and granted federal university status, further expanding federal presence in teacher education and educational research.
The conversions and upgrades form part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to increase educational opportunities, promote research and innovation, and align higher education institutions with national development priorities and industry needs.
Education stakeholders have described the development as a significant step toward improving access to specialised education, enhancing research capacity and supporting regional economic growth through stronger links between academia and industry.
The affected institutions are expected to commence the transition processes in line with directives from relevant regulatory agencies and education authorities.
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