President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized a take-off grant exceeding ₦10 billion for the newly upgraded Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP) in Plateau State, which was formerly known as the Federal College of Education Pankshin.

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the representative for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, announced this during the official unveiling of the university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) following an on-site assessment in the Pankshin Local Government Area.

Gagdi, who was the primary sponsor of the legislation that facilitated the transition from FCE Pankshin to university status, expressed his satisfaction, noting that the bill had been signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari but had previously been stalled by the former Minister.

He stated, “Buhari approved the bill, bypassing the Ministry of Education to initiate the process immediately, yet it faced significant challenges, leading to some individuals on social media accusing me of dishonesty. Today, I stand vindicated.

“I approached President Tinubu, highlighting that new universities often struggle to secure funding from Tetfund. In response, the President has approved a take-off grant of over ten billion naira for the Federal University of Education Pankshin.”

Gagdi further mentioned that the President has instructed the immediate release of the grant through Tetfund to support the university's initial operational activities. Additionally, he noted that the Federal Government has sanctioned the recruitment of over 161 staff members to address the university's staffing needs, and he has conveyed this approval to the Chairman of the Governing Board.