The Federal Government has announced the approval of N18 billion as a take-off grant for 4 new universities. This was disclosed at a press conference on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Sunday Echono.
Echono said, “After a comprehensive review of the policy by key stakeholders in the education sector, it was resolved that the four existing Universities of Technology located in Yola, Akure, Owerri, and Minna be upgraded while two additional Universities of Technology to be located in Jigawa and Akwa Ibom states would be established for the purpose.
“Similarly, a National Institute of Technology shall be established in Abuja to serve essentially as a postgraduate centre devoted to research and innovation, drawing the best graduates from the six Universities of Technology as well as other graduates from reputable universities within and outside Nigeria.”
Echono said the Federal Government recognised the urgent need to establish two Universities of Health, Nutrition, and Medical Sciences. One to would be located at Azare, Bauchi State while another one would be situated in Ila Orangun, Osun State.
Enocho further said, “To ensure the early take-off of these institutions, the President approved a take-off grant of N4 billion each for the Universities of Technology and N5 billion each for the University of Health Sciences.”