The Nigerian government has taken a monumental step in supporting higher education by distributing N15 billion to federal and state polytechnics. This funding, part of the 2022 NEEDS assessment initiative, aims to enhance educational facilities across the country.
On Thursday, May 23, during the unveiling of 22 NEEDS Assessment Intervention Projects at Kaduna State Polytechnic, Minister of Education Professor Tahir Mamman, represented by Dr. Ejeh Alexander Usman, revealed the distribution of these funds. The funds target critical infrastructure such as hostels, classrooms, and water supply systems.
“This is the first time polytechnics are receiving such funding from the federal government, while universities have been beneficiaries of similar funds for years,” said the minister. The struggle for these allocations by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) spanned from 2013 to 2022. Despite the lengthy battle, it is hoped that future funds will be allocated more swiftly. The N15 billion is shared among all polytechnics, including federal, state, and some military schools.
Dr. Suleiman Umar, Rector of Kaduna State Polytechnic, emphasized the importance of timely payment of the remaining 10% contract funds to contractors. He highlighted that in October 2023, the federal government allocated N830 million to Kaduna Polytechnic from the same 2022 NEEDS assessment fund. These funds have been instrumental in constructing and furnishing a block of classrooms and offices and providing ICT equipment.
This significant investment marks a new era for polytechnic education in Nigeria, promising enhanced learning environments and better facilities for students and staff alike.
