By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has disbursed ₦38.93 billion to 166 public tertiary institutions across Nigeria to address infrastructure gaps and improve learning facilities. The intervention, announced by the Federal Ministry of Finance on Sunday, October 25, 2026, covers 79 universities, 46 polytechnics and 41 colleges of education. The government expects the funding to support approved projects and strengthen the quality of tertiary education nationwide.
FG Allocates ₦38.93bn to Tertiary Institutions
The Federal Ministry of Finance announced the disbursement under the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund. The ministry’s Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie, disclosed the development in a statement.
According to the ministry, the funding will help beneficiary institutions tackle critical infrastructure challenges. It will also support projects that improve teaching, learning and institutional operations.
Furthermore, the government expects the intervention to strengthen public tertiary education and improve conditions for students and academic staff.
Universities Receive the Largest Share
Universities will receive the largest portion of the ₦38.93 billion allocation. The breakdown shows that the government allocated funds as follows:
- Universities: ₦28.5 billion for 79 institutions.
- Polytechnics: ₦5.8 billion for 46 institutions.
- Colleges of Education: ₦4.7 billion for 41 institutions.
Universities account for approximately 73.2 per cent of the announced allocation. Meanwhile, polytechnics will receive about 14.9 per cent, while colleges of education account for roughly 12.1 per cent.
Consequently, universities will receive substantially more funding than the other two categories combined individually.
Funding Targets Infrastructure Deficits
The ministry explained that the intervention addresses longstanding infrastructure challenges across public tertiary institutions. It also supports the implementation of agreements between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In particular, the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund targets critical institutional needs and improvements to existing facilities. These challenges have remained major concerns during negotiations between the government and academic unions.
The latest disbursement will enable beneficiary institutions to begin new projects or continue previously approved interventions.
FG Seeks Better Learning Conditions
The Federal Government stressed the importance of coordination among relevant ministries and beneficiary institutions. The Federal Ministries of Finance and Education must work with the institutions to ensure effective use of the funds.
Moreover, the government expects the intervention to produce measurable improvements in infrastructure and institutional capacity.
The ministry also emphasised that proper implementation should translate into better learning conditions across Nigeria’s public tertiary education system.
Ultimately, the success of the ₦38.93 billion intervention will depend on how effectively the beneficiary institutions execute their approved projects.
