The Nigerian Government has unveiled plans to grant polytechnics the authority to confer degrees, aiming to end the protracted Higher National Diploma (HND) divide in the education sector. This significant reform is expected to realign technical and vocational education, marking a turning point for national growth.
This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking at a retreat attended by some stakeholders, including council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
The minister described the initiative as a transformative policy, noting that it would eliminate long-standing discrimination against polytechnic graduates while transforming polytechnics into hubs of excellence across Nigeria’s higher education system.
He further stated that the transition will strengthen polytechnic education while maintaining its core emphasis on practical, industry-oriented training, adding that Nigeria’s future competitiveness hinges on developing a workforce capable of creating, building, and addressing real-world challenges.
Dr.Alausa stressed that the policy is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes job creation, industrial expansion, and human capital development.
He also stated that granting degree-awarding status to polytechnics is expected to boost industry collaboration, enhance funding prospects, and increase public trust.
The minister further assured stakeholders that reform would be carefully managed through clear standards, robust regulation, and strong quality assurance measures to guarantee international capacity.
He spoke on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” highlighting the essence of polytechnics to developing a skills-oriented economy.
He disclosed the ministry’s strong emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-prepared, innovative, and equipped to drive economic growth.
He called on the management of polytechnics to embed transformation by strengthening entrepreneurship centers, research hubs, and industry collaborations, highlighting renewable energy, agro-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as areas of focus.
Dr. Alausa cautioned that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership must align with the new phase of polytechnic administration, stressing the need for fiscal discipline, prompt audits, responsible resource management, and zero tolerance for corruption.
While recognizing challenges such as funding shortfalls, obsolete facilities, and societal preference for university degrees, the minister stated that the prospects ahead outweigh the difficulties.
He also revealed that a special TETFund initiative this year will equip polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art facilities, following a similar support provided to 12 medical colleges in 2025.
The minister urged participants to resume in their institutions as catalysts for change, saying, “The transformation we initiate today will determine the future of our youth, economy, and nation.”
Reacting to the development, Education experts at the retreat were elated by the announcement, describing it as a milestone and noting that it would increase admissions, inspire both students and staff, and enhance the role of polytechnics in vital sectors like manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.