The Federal Government has announced plans to finally scrap the long-standing divide between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree holders by empowering polytechnics across the country to award degrees.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics nationwide.
Describing the decision as a major policy shift, Dr. Alausa said the reform would put an end to decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education while preserving the hands-on, industry-focused training that polytechnics are known for.
“Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce that can create, build and solve real-world problems,” the minister said, adding that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.
With degree-awarding powers, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence. Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strict regulation and quality assurance measures to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister stressed that polytechnics remain central to building a skills-driven economy.
He said the Ministry of Education has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
Dr. Alausa urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, he warned 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.
The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and service delivery, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consume and help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Dr. Alausa 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. He also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities, following a similar upgrade of 12 medical colleges last year.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
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 role of polytechnics in key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
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