The Federal Government has announced plans to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, a move aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education and boosting national development..l
The policy reform was announced in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a high-level retreat attended by governing council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
Dr. Alausa described the reform as historic, saying it would end years of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
He explained that the reform wil.l retain the practical, industry-oriented focus of polytechnic education while enhancing its role in producing a workforce capable of solving real-life challenges and supporting Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The minister said the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, industrial expansion, and human capital development. With degree-awarding sta
tus, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, better funding, and increased public confidence.
Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, effective regulation, and strong quality assurance frameworks to ensure international competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister highlighted the role of polytechnics in building a skills-based economy. He said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been prioritised to ensure graduates are innovative, industry-ready, and capable of driving economic growth.
Dr. Alausa urged polytechnic administrators to foster innovation through entrepreneurship hubs, research centres, and strong industry linkages. He identified renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as key areas of focus.
He also stressed the need for sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue, adopt environmentally friendly campuses, and invest in resilient infrastructure. He emphasised that polytechnics should aim for self-reliance and contribute to national development by reducing import dependence
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities, and societal preference for university education, the minister said the opportunities outweigh the obstacles. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Alausa also announced a special intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities, following a similar upgrade of 12 medical colleges last year.
He urged participants to return to their institutions as drivers of reform, noting that the nation’s future depends on the transformation initiated at the retreat.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
