Polytechnics to award degrees as FG moves to end HND discrimination

…announces reform to boost technical education 

The Federal Government has announced a reform granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, ending decades of discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and positioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars,
Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, described the policy shift as a major step toward elevating polytechnics into centres of excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and equipping graduates with the skills needed to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

The minister said the move would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system, placing polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.

“Polytechnics are not mere institutions; they are the crucibles where innovation meets practicality, where skills forge economic resilience, and where sustainable development becomes a lived reality for our nation.”

He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.

The minister explained that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.

With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence.

Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and 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 said polytechnics are critical to building a skills-driven economy.

He stressed that the Ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.

He urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and robust industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.

“We have adopted a policy that ensures our Polytechnic graduates are industry-ready, innovative problem-solvers capable of driving national development.

“Innovation must be the heartbeat of our Polytechnics. I urge you to foster entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and industry partnerships that turn ideas into prototypes, inventions into enterprises, which will graduate into job creators,” he noted.

On governance, Alausa warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.

The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.

Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consume and support national needs by reducing dependence on imports.

While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Alausa said the opportunities ahead are far greater.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships.

He further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.

In his address, Sani Tunga, Chairman of Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEADS), said the gathering was both timely and necessary given the role of polytechnic education in Nigeria’s development.

He acknowledged challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, changing industry demands, governance gaps and sustainability concerns.

“Our Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology stand at the forefront of producing skilled, innovative, and entrepreneurial manpower needed to drive Nigeria’s diversification agenda, reduce unemployment, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said

He also drew attention to recurring conflicts within the system, particularly between governing councils and management, and between management and staff unions.

“Among these challenges are the recurring conflicts and tensions that sometimes arise between Governing Councils and Management, as well as between Management and staff unions; such as ASUP, SSANIP, NASU and other critical stakeholders,” he stated.

The chairman explained that such disagreements, often linked to policy interpretation, resource allocation and welfare issues, could undermine harmony and delay progress.

He stressed the importance of collective dialogue among council chairmen, commissioners, rectors, registrars and bursars to address these issues constructively.