The Federal Government says it has invested more than ₦1 trillion in tertiary education over the past two years as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and improve learning infrastructure across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy Education in Abuja.
According to the minister, the Tinubu administration is implementing reforms aimed at ensuring that no qualified Nigerian is denied access to higher education because of financial hardship.
He said the investments are strengthening universities, polytechnics and colleges of education through improved infrastructure, specialised training facilities and modern learning environments to produce the skilled workforce required for national development.
Alausa said the Federal Government has committed ₦250 billion to the construction of new student hostels across tertiary institutions, while more than ₦150 billion has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of hostels, classrooms, engineering workshops and other academic facilities.
He added that over ₦130 billion has been invested in rehabilitating medical schools nationwide, with another ₦52 billion allocated for modern equipment in 18 medical schools. He also disclosed that nearly ₦30 billion has been invested in establishing 11 medical simulation laboratories to improve practical clinical training.
The minister further stated that almost ₦110 billion has been committed to the construction and rehabilitation of engineering workshops and the provision of modern equipment for universities and polytechnics offering engineering programmes.
Describing the interventions as among the largest investments in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, Alausa said the projects are designed to improve teaching, learning, research and innovation, while equipping graduates with the skills needed to drive industrialisation and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy Education, Dr. Victoria Omua Amu, said the committee had developed a one year implementation plan and commenced consultations with the National Universities Commission (NUC), professional bodies and tertiary institutions.
She revealed that six Nigerian universities currently offer Audiology programmes, five offer Occupational Therapy, while three run Speech and Language Therapy programmes. She added that the University of Benin will commence Occupational Therapy in the 2026/2027 academic session.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to working with tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to ensure the investments translate into improved educational outcomes, stronger institutions and greater opportunities for Nigerian students.
