Buhari establishes 3 more Federal Polytechnics despite funding crisis

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the establishment of three new polytechnics in some parts of the country.

This was despite a funding crisis that triggered a 65 day strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics.

The union members are preparing for another strike with government at state and federal levels unable to pay arrears of minimum wage.

On its part, the Federal Government has been unable to release the N15billion promised to revitalise the polytechnics.

Buhari’s approval for three more polytechnics was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Goong.

Goong said the new institutions would be located in Kano, Abia and Delta states.

“In line with his determination to make tertiary education more accessible, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), has approved the establishment of three new federal polytechnics in the country.

“The polytechnics are to be sited in Umunnoechi in Abia, Orogun in Delta and Kabo in Kano State.”

According to the director, the new institutions are to commence academic activities in October, 2022.

He said this would bring the number of federal polytechnics in the country to 36, with every state having one.