03/09/2026
New Tertiary and Technical Education Ministry Takes Off in Nasarawa as Nagogo Assumes Office
The newly created Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education, carved out of the former Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, on Monday, September 1, 2026, witnessed the formal transition of leadership at the office of the Honourable Commissioner in Lafia.
The Covering Commissioner, Hon. John D.W. Mamman, while delivering his farewell speech, said he accepted the mantle of leadership with gratitude.
“I have had the privilege to serve under every leadership. So far, I have gained valuable experience,” he said.
Hon. Mamman noted that during his tenure, the ministry pursued the establishment of an SDG training center for students. He also expressed concern for casual staff and said he had approved welfare measures to improve their condition.
He added, my doors remain open to the incoming commissioner anytime he needs my attention. Nasarawa State is top in development. I pray that under Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, and the incoming governor after him, the state will continue to progress,” he added.
He officially handed over stewardship to the new Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Hon. Mohammed Habeeb Nagogo, and thanked management and staff for the maximum cooperation accorded him.
In his acceptance remarks, Hon. Nagogo appreciated Hon. Mamman for holding forth in the ministry, describing him as a humble, community-based leader and “professor of farming” with strong influence in Nasarawa State and beyond.
He said he would continue to consult the outgoing commissioner to learn from his experience.
“I have come to work. My doors are open to every staff. I believe in transparency, commitment and dedication. I have come to learn from the ministry and for the ministry to also learn from me,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the new ministry, Dr. John Ali Damina, on behalf of management and staff, appreciated Hon. Mamman’s leadership and highlighted key achievements including the visibility of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, NILEST Doma, and the Federal Incubation Centre along Makurdi Road, Lafia.
Dr. Damina also commended the outgoing commissioner’s advocacy for casual workers and expressed hope that he would continue to push for improved stipends and their possible conversion to full staff.
“We welcome Hon. Mohammed Habeeb Nagogo and assure him of our full cooperation, loyalty and support. The Ministry of Tertiary and Technical Education has a critical role in developing education and human capital. Beyond academic knowledge, we are committed to technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and professional skills for our youths,” he said.
In goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education,Hajiya Dr. Khadijat Musa Suleiman applauded Hon. Mamman and urged staff to give maximum cooperation to the new commissioner. She noted that the ministry was awaiting the administrative structure from the Office of the SSG.
The Director of Higher Education said there was nothing to worry about as the department has guiding documents, while the Mr Abubaker Haruna DHR, and other directors thanked Hon. Mamman for his fatherly role and assured the new commissioner of staff support to achieve the ministry’s goals.
The event ended with presentation of handover documents and a group photograph.