The Federal Government has allocated N940.5 billion to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in the 2025 fiscal year to enhance manpower and infrastructure development in the education sector.
President Bola Tinubu made this announcement on Saturday during the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Represented by Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of Tertiary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Tinubu stated that the allocation demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and manpower.
He revealed that the federal government had disbursed over N104 billion in loans to more than 600,000 students across tertiary institutions under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering a knowledge-driven society, emphasizing that education remains a top priority in its policies and funding initiatives.
The president urged universities to deepen collaborations with industries, aligning research with societal needs to contribute meaningfully to national development. He also congratulated the graduates for their resilience and determination, encouraging them to embrace their new chapter with confidence and purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Faruk Adamu-Kuta, described the institution’s 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony as a historic event. He noted that the university has grown to become a leading institution in technological education in Nigeria, ranking 8th among the best universities in the country and 2nd among specialized universities.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed gratitude to the university for conferring on him a Doctorate Degree in Agriculture, stating that the honor serves as a call to do more in the sector. He reiterated his commitment to collaborating with individuals and organizations to make education accessible to every citizen of the state. Bago also urged the university to continue leading in training and innovative research.
The governor advocated for stronger ties with the state government to ensure the institution’s sustainability through agriculture. As part of his support, Bago donated N100 million to the endowment fund established by Senator Muhammad Sani-Musa, who also contributed N200 million.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the university produced 5,816 graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session, comprising 4,955 undergraduates, 632 master’s degrees, 105 postgraduate diplomas, and 124 PhD holders.