The Federal Government has announced plans to end the long-standing dichotomy associated with the Higher National Diploma by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking at a retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics across the country.
Alausa described the initiative as a significant policy shift designed to eliminate discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as key contributors to Nigeria’s higher education and economic development.
He said the reform would strengthen the polytechnic system without eroding its practical, industry-oriented focus, noting that Nigeria’s competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped with problem-solving and innovation skills.
According to the minister, the policy is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.
He added that degree-awarding status would enable polytechnics to attract stronger partnerships with industry, access improved funding opportunities and gain greater public confidence.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, effective regulation and strict quality assurance to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development, the minister described polytechnics as critical to building a skills-driven economy, stressing the government’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training to produce industry-ready graduates.
He urged polytechnic administrators to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and stronger industry linkages, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, the minister emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, calling for fiscal discipline, prudent resource management, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also highlighted sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop environmentally friendly campuses and invest in resilient infrastructure.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, obsolete facilities and societal preference for university degrees, Alausa said the prospects ahead were far more promising.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure development and strategic partnerships.
The minister further disclosed that a special TETFund intervention would be rolled out this year to upgrade engineering schools in polytechnics with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for medical colleges in 2024.
Education experts at the retreat welcomed the announcement, describing it as a turning point that would boost enrolment, inspire staff and students, and deepen the contribution of polytechnics to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.