In a major boost to technological and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Federal University Dutse (FUD) in Jigawa State has received a ₦1 billion grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the establishment of innovation hubs and parks across the institution.
This landmark development was disclosed in a statement released by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, who noted that the funding was confirmed in a letter dated June 19, 2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund. FUD is one of the select universities chosen to benefit from this national initiative aimed at driving creativity, research, and economic development from within Nigerian campuses.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the innovation hubs are part of a strategic vision to equip students with the tools and skills necessary to become self-reliant, job creators, and contributors to national and global development. The hub will serve as a convergence point for students, researchers, and innovators to explore and develop groundbreaking ideas into tangible products and services.
The innovation complex will feature 14 specialised units tailored to different fields of innovation, ranging from digital technology to sustainable energy and traditional crafts.
Key components include a Product Design Lab, envisioned as a space where ideas are turned into prototypes using both creative and technical methods. The 3D Printing Lab will allow innovators to move from concept to physical models using advanced printing and sculpting tools.
In the Software Lab, students and engineers will engage in coding, testing, and refining tech solutions, supported by high-performance computing systems. The Bio-Technology Lab will unlock advanced research in life sciences, offering modern tools for genetic and biotechnological research.
The hubs will also preserve and modernise traditional skills through workshops like the Leathercraft Studio, the Textile and Fashion Design Lab, and the Wood Workshop, which will allow students to blend artistic tradition with innovation. A Metal Workshop will offer fabrication tools for engineering and creative projects.
To address environmental concerns and promote sustainability, the Upcycling and Recycling Workshop and the Eco Lab will turn waste into valuable products and develop solutions for environmental resilience, while the Sustainable Energy Lab will explore alternative power solutions using modern tools and simulators.
Other components include the Embedded Systems Coding Lab, for electronics and robotics programming, and the Electronics Lab, offering support for tech hardware development. The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Lab will cater to mechanical and electrical engineering students focused on energy efficiency and innovation in climate control systems.
To showcase outcomes, Showrooms will be set up to display innovations emerging from the various labs and workshops, giving visibility to student-led projects and enabling industry engagement.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that beyond infrastructure, the university is building a culture of innovation that brings together students, faculty, and the public. The innovation hubs will provide mentorship, expert guidance, and access to networks that can help young inventors and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable ventures.
This initiative places FUD at the heart of Nigeria’s drive to transition from a consumer-based economy to one driven by knowledge, technology, and homegrown solutions. It also aligns with national goals to foster innovation, reduce unemployment, and accelerate inclusive development through investments in tertiary education.
