Tinubu approves ₦10 billion startup grant for the Federal University of Education in Pankshin.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized a ₦10 billion take-off grant for the newly upgraded Federal College of Education Pankshin, now known as the Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP), located in Plateau State.

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the representative for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, announced this during the official unveiling of the university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) following an on-site assessment in Pankshin LGA.

Gagdi, who was the sole sponsor of the bill to elevate FCE Pankshin to university status, expressed his fulfillment that the bill was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite initially being sidelined. He stated, “Buhari approved the bill, overriding the Ministry of Education to commence immediately, but it became contentious, leading to some criticism of me on social media. Today, I am vindicated.”

He further noted that he appealed to President Tinubu, highlighting the common challenges new universities face in securing releases from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund). In response, the President approved the ₦10 billion grant for the effective establishment of the Federal University of Education Pankshin.

Additionally, Gagdi mentioned that the Federal Government has approved over 161 recruitment slots to fill staffing needs at the university, which he has communicated to the Chairman of the Governing Board.