The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, marking a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics across the country.
Describing the decision as a landmark policy shift, the minister said the reform would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the move will place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-oriented training. He stressed that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.
Dr. Alausa explained that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence. The minister assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” he described polytechnics as critical to building a skills-driven economy.
He said the ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
The minister urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry collaborations, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, Dr. Alausa emphasised that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also highlighted sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consume and help reduce the nation’s dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, the minister said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the obstacles.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Alausa further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for medical colleges last year.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said the future of Nigeria’s youth, economy and national development depends on the successful transformation of polytechnic education.
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
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