The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees. The move is part of a major reform aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education as a catalyst for national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics across the country.
Describing the initiative as a landmark policy shift, Dr Alausa said the reform would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
He explained that while the reform would place polytechnic education on a stronger footing, it would also preserve its core advantage of practical, industry-driven training. According to him, Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce capable of creating, building and solving real-world problems.
The minister noted that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development. He added that degree-awarding status would enable polytechnics to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence.
Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and robust quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister stressed that polytechnics are central to building a skills-driven economy. He said the Ministry of Education has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and economically productive.
He urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry collaborations, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as key focus areas.
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On governance, Dr Alausa emphasised that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.
The minister also highlighted the importance of sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and invest in resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics, he said, should aim to support national needs by reducing dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, outdated facilities and societal preference for university degrees, Dr Alausa said the opportunities presented by the reform far outweigh the obstacles.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships. He also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point for the sector, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to key sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
