FG launches Nigeria polytechnic foundation, declares TVET ‘strategic pathway’ to growth
The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated the Nigeria Polytechnic Foundation (NIPOF) in Abuja, with the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, saying the initiative will reposition polytechnics as drivers of innovation and national development.
She described Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a “strategic pathway” to economic growth.
Speaking at the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) Liaison Office in Maitama, the minister said the foundation would serve as a catalyst for strengthening technical education, boosting industry partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians. “Today’s event is not merely the birth of a new institution; it is the beginning of a movement to reposition our polytechnics as engines of creativity, hubs of technical expertise, and centres of applied research,” she said.
Prof. Ahmad linked the initiative to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that polytechnics were indispensable to driving economic transformation in engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, renewable energy and agriculture. “Our polytechnics must be empowered not only to train technicians but to produce innovators, problem-solvers and job creators,” she added.
She explained that NIPOF was designed as a public–private platform to address gaps in funding, infrastructure, research and industry relevance. Its mandate includes supporting programme development, sponsoring research, enhancing entrepreneurship, expanding industry-oriented internships and encouraging female participation in technical fields.
The minister also reiterated ongoing investments in TVET, revealing that one million Nigerians registered under the new VEIs and SDCs skills programme, with 25 priority trades identified after a national skills-gap analysis. On federal technical colleges, she announced new incentives: “Anybody going for the technical colleges is tuition-free. Stipend will be given to you even the meal subsidy, you don’t pay.”
NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, explained the genesis of the foundation, noting that foreign institutions were willing to donate modern training equipment only through non-governmental bodies.
He urged NIPOF trustees to engage Nigerian industries immediately. “Let us write to all the Nigerian industries and seek their partnership so that we can build polytechnics for the development of Nigeria,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seriake Dickson, commended the initiative and vowed to push for stronger budgetary support.
He warned that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign artisans was alarming. “It is so bad we now bring bricklayers and tilers from Cotonou and Togo,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said NIPOF arrived “at the most opportune time,” adding that it would “become a crucial bridge, narrowing the gap between academic institutions and the rapidly evolving industrial sector.”
Prof. Ahmad closed by reaffirming government support. “Today marks a significant step forward in the revitalisation of technical education in Nigeria. It is my singular honour to launch the Nigeria Polytechnic Foundation for the benefit of all Nigerians,” she stated
NIPOF is expected to begin immediate engagements with industries, development partners and polytechnic administrators nationwide.