President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, one of the largest estates in the nation’s capital, Abuja. The institution will be officially named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarinpa, in honor of the president’s leadership.
In a letter dated January 16, 2025, addressed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, conveyed the approval from the federal government. The new polytechnic aims to promote technological, vocational, and entrepreneurial training, in line with the national policy on education.
The letter, which was personally signed by Dr. Alausa, also outlined the next steps for the development of the institution. He requested Minister Wike to propose locations for both the temporary and permanent sites of the polytechnic in Gwarinpa. A technical team from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will visit the recommended sites to conduct inspections, and approval for the locations will be based on the reports they present.
Reactions and Support for the New Polytechnic
The establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa has been met with praise from local leaders. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the new institution. He emphasized that the polytechnic’s establishment is a significant achievement for Gwarinpa and would contribute positively to the progress of the FCT residents.
In a statement issued by Maikalangu’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Kingsley Madaki, the chairman also thanked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his instrumental role in bringing the project to fruition.
Maikalangu described the approval as a “dream come true” for the residents of Gwarinpa and the broader FCT community. He expressed hope that the new polytechnic would provide educational opportunities that foster growth, skill development, and self-reliance for young people in the region.
Historical Significance
The establishment of this new educational institution holds additional historical significance. Maikalangu recalled that the appointment of Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, an FCT native, as a two-term member representing AMAC/Bwari Constituency in the House of Representatives and later as a minister, marked the first time an FCT native held such a position. This, he noted, underscores the growing importance of local leadership in shaping the future of the region.
The new polytechnic is expected to become a key player in advancing higher education in the FCT, contributing to both the technological and economic development of Abuja and its surrounding areas.
