ABUJA — Stakeholders in Nigeria's tertiary education sector have renewed calls for stronger investment in laboratories, workshops and research equipment, saying modern facilities are necessary to improve science, engineering and technology education. Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education require functional laboratories to give students practical experience alongside theoretical instruction. Without adequate equipment, students may graduate with limited exposure to the tools and procedures used in professional environments. Laboratory infrastructure is particularly important in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, natural sciences and technology. Practical training helps students understand concepts and develop problem-solving abilities. It can also prepare them for employment and research careers. Funding remains one of the major challenges facing many institutions. Equipment can be expensive to purchase, install and maintain. Institutions also need trained technicians and laboratory managers who can ensure that facilities remain safe and operational. Government intervention funds have helped some institutions improve infrastructure, but stakeholders say investment must be sustained. New equipment without maintenance can become unusable within a relatively short period. Institutions therefore need maintenance plans and dedicated resources for repairs and replacement. Research also depends on access to modern equipment. Nigerian researchers working on scientific and technological problems may require specialised instruments that are not available in many institutions. Limited facilities can force researchers to rely on external laboratories or abandon certain projects. Stronger research infrastructure can increase the capacity of Nigerian institutions to produce locally relevant solutions. Collaboration among universities can help reduce costs. Institutions may share specialised equipment or establish regional research centres serving several universities. Partnerships with industry can provide additional equipment and technical expertise. Companies may benefit from such partnerships by gaining access to university researchers and future employees. Students also need opportunities to work with technology that reflects current industry practice. Digital tools and automation are increasingly important across sectors. Updating laboratories can therefore help institutions remain relevant as technology changes. However, equipment investment should be linked to curriculum and staffing. A laboratory filled with sophisticated instruments is of limited value if lecturers and technicians have not been trained to use them. Capacity development should accompany infrastructure projects. Safety is another important consideration. Laboratories require appropriate procedures for handling chemicals, machinery and other potentially hazardous materials. Students and staff should receive safety training and institutions should maintain emergency systems. The wider economic value of research infrastructure can be significant. Universities that develop strong research capabilities can support innovation, create intellectual property and contribute evidence for government policy. Students trained in well-equipped facilities may also become more productive employees or entrepreneurs. Improving laboratory infrastructure should therefore be viewed as part of Nigeria's broader human-capital and economic strategy. Continued investment from government, development partners and industry can strengthen the country's capacity to train skilled workers and conduct useful research. The objective is not simply to build laboratories but to ensure that they remain functional, accessible and integrated into teaching and research. With sustained funding and proper management, improved facilities can contribute significantly to the quality of Nigerian tertiary education.