Abuja — The federal government has unveiled plans to abolish the longstanding Higher National Diploma (HND) versus university degree divide by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, a move aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the policy shift in Abuja yesterday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, education commissioners, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
Describing the initiative as a landmark reform, Dr. Alausa said it would eliminate decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
“The reform strengthens polytechnic education while retaining its core focus on hands-on, industry-oriented training,” the minister said, noting that Nigeria’s global competitiveness depends on a workforce capable of solving real-world problems.
The minister highlighted that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes job creation, industrial growth, and human capital development.
With the new degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract enhanced industry partnerships, improved funding, and increased public confidence. Dr. Alausa assured that the transition would be supported by strict quality assurance, clear standards, and robust regulation to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister emphasized the central role of polytechnics in building a skills-driven economy. He noted that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) would equip graduates to be industry-ready, innovative, and capable of driving economic growth.
Dr. Alausa urged polytechnic leaders to prioritize innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and strong industry linkages. He identified renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas for development.
On governance, the minister stressed that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership should guide polytechnic administration, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management, and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also highlighted sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue, develop eco-friendly campuses, and build resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics should aim to produce locally what they consume and support national development by reducing import dependency.
Acknowledging existing challenges—including funding gaps, outdated facilities, and societal preference for university degrees—Dr. Alausa said the opportunities ahead were far greater. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships.
The minister further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to modernize polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment, following similar upgrades for 12 medical colleges last year.
Addressing participants, Dr. Alausa said, “The future of our youth, our economy, and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Education experts at the retreat hailed the announcement as a turning point, saying it would boost student enrolment, motivate staff, and enhance polytechnics’ contribution to critical sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
