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In a major policy shift aimed at repositioning technical education in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND)–degree dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award academic degrees.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic retreat attended by governing council chairmen, state education commissioners, rectors, registrars, and bursars of polytechnics across the country.
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Alausa described the move as a landmark reform that would eliminate systemic discrimination against polytechnic graduates and strengthen the role of polytechnics as critical drivers of Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth.
According to the minister, the reform is designed to enhance the status and relevance of polytechnic education without compromising its core mandate of practical, skills-based training.
He said the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial expansion, and sustainable human capital development.
“With degree-awarding powers, polytechnics will gain greater public confidence, attract stronger industry partnerships, and access wider funding opportunities,” Alausa said.
The minister assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by robust regulatory frameworks and strict quality assurance mechanisms to maintain academic standards and ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme of the retreat, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Alausa emphasised that technical institutions are central to building a skills-driven economy and tackling youth unemployment.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Education has elevated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to a national priority, with a focus on aligning graduate competencies with current and future industry needs.
Alausa urged polytechnic administrators to drive innovation through functional entrepreneurship centres, applied research hubs, and strong collaborations with the private sector, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, agribusiness technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-smart solutions.
On governance, he stressed that accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership must define the next phase of polytechnic administration, calling for strict financial discipline, regular audits, and zero tolerance for corruption.
The minister also challenged institutions to pursue sustainability by boosting internally generated revenue, investing in environmentally friendly campuses, and developing resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future economic and environmental shocks.
He added that polytechnics must play a direct role in promoting national self-reliance by producing goods and services locally and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
While acknowledging persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated facilities, and societal bias in favour of university education, Alausa said the ongoing reforms present significant opportunities for renewed growth and relevance.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the minister announced a special Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention for the upgrade of engineering programmes in polytechnics nationwide, following similar support extended to medical colleges in the previous year.
“As leaders, you must return to your institutions prepared to drive this transformation. The future of our youth, the strength of our economy, and the progress of our nation depend on the decisions we make today,” he charged.
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