FG awards N1bn to Federal University Dutse for innovation hubs, parks

The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has awarded the sum of ₦1 billion to the Federal University Dutse (FUD) in Jigawa State for the establishment of innovation hubs and parks within the institution.

This was contained in a press statement issued and made available to Tribune Online in Dutse by the Director of Public Affairs at the university, Mr. Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, who said, “the funds allocation was in a letter dated June 19, 2025, and signed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, FNIA.”

Mr. Abdullahi Yahaya Bello disclosed that “The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Dutse Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed revealed that FUD is one of the few selected universities that will benefit from this significant initiative by TETFund.”

According to the statement, “The project aims to empower the University’s students, fostering their self-reliance and equipping them to become potential employers in their respective fields.”

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the innovation hubs will promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among students, thereby enhancing economic growth and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.

Prof. Sabo maintained that the innovation hubs will contain 14 components, comprising the Product Design Lab, “where dynamic space is where ideas evolve into tangible solutions, blending creativity with technical expertise”, and the 3D Printing Lab, “for the 3D printing lab is a haven for innovators, designers and engineers who seek to transform concept into three-dimensional reality. The Lab will be equipped with cutting-edge 3D printing technology and an array of digital sculpting tools”.

The Software Lab, according to the Vice-Chancellor, “This is a space for coding, experimentation and technological advancement. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software resources. The software lab will provide an environment where software engineers can dive deep into coding, testing and refining digital products and services.”

Other components of the innovation hub include the Leathercraft Workshop, “that is leathercraft workshop will provides the space to explore the rich world of leatherwork and bring your artistic vision to life”, and the Bio-Technology Lab: “In the bio-technology lab, science and innovation will be use to unlock the mysteries of life through advanced biotechnological tools and techniques”.

Also listed are the Embedded Systems Coding Lab: “This lab is going to be equipped with state-of-the-art kits software and hands-on tools. The lab will be a centre for aspiring programmers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts”, and the Electronics Lab: “This lab will be offering experts’ recommendations for electronic needs of various projects and prototype developed at the hub.”

“Also Textile and Fashion Design: In this workshop, designers, artists and visionaries can collaborate to elevate aesthetics in fashion and design. This workshop will allow for experimentation through traditional techniques and digital practices”, and the Upcycling and Recycling Workshop: “In this workshop, waste items will find a second chance as they are repurposed into functional and valuable items, art pieces, furniture and more”.

The Eco Lab “will focus on tackling environmental challenges through upcycling, recycling, sustainable architecture, advanced materials and circular economy principles. It will serve as a hands-on space for research, collaboration and innovation, transforming ideas into impactful ecological solutions.”

For mechanical engineering innovation, the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) Lab “is going to be a dynamic workstation where the mechanisms behind are dissected for better understanding and improvement with aid of stimulators and demonstrators. With modern equipment and stimulation tools, this lab empowers innovators to develop RAC systems and devices.”

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The Metal Workshop “is a place where metals are fabricated into functional pieces and creativity takes shape through the mastery of metal.”

Prof. Abdulkareem Sabo noted “there is also Wood Workshop: This workshop is haven for artisans, designers and woodworking enthusiasts. With an array of precision tools and top-tier equipment, space empowers creators and technicians to transform wood into intricate pieces of art, functional furniture and architectural marvels,” and the Sustainable Energy Lab “is going to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, demonstrators and stimulators. The space will empower innovators to understand, experiment and refine sustainable energy solutions.”

The Showrooms, according to him, “are spaces that will bring together the remarkable outcomes of various programs and initiatives, offering a glimpse into future shaped by technology, craftsmanship and visionary thinking.”

“The VC explained that upon completion of this project, FUD will become an environment that brings together exceptional talent and skilled professionals among staff, students and the general public through providing access to mentorship, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and state-of-the-art technology—each of which is essential for turning innovative ideas into reality.”

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