The Federal Government has unveiled plans to eliminate the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) divide by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, a reform aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education and boosting national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the policy shift in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing a retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Alausa described the move as a major overhaul that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of academic excellence within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
He said the reform would bolster polytechnic education while preserving its practical and industry-oriented training approach, stressing that Nigeria’s competitiveness hinges on a workforce capable of solving real-life challenges.
The minister explained that the policy aligns with President Bola 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, enhanced funding and increased public confidence.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by robust standards, strict regulation and quality assurance measures to ensure that programmes remain globally competitive.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” he described polytechnics as key to building a skills-driven economy and said the ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training to produce industry-ready graduates.
He urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry linkages, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, Alausa called for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in polytechnic administration, stressing the need for fiscal discipline, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also emphasised sustainability, urging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and invest in resilient infrastructure.
Acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias favouring university degrees, the minister said the opportunities presented by the reform are greater.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships.
Alausa also announced a special TETFund intervention for this year to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities, following a similar upgrade for 12 medical colleges last year.
Experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, saying it would boost enrolment, motivate staff and students, and strengthen polytechnics’ contribution to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
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