The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, a move expected to transform Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a high-level retreat involving polytechnic council chairmen, education commissioners, rectors, registrars and bursars from across the country.
The policy, described as a major reform in Nigeria’s higher education system, is aimed at ending decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and repositioning polytechnics as key drivers of national development.
According to Dr. Alausa, allowing polytechnics to award degrees will strengthen their relevance in producing skilled, industry-ready graduates, while preserving their core strength in practical, hands-on training. He said Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce that can build, innovate and solve real-world problems.
The minister explained that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on 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.
Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strict regulation and quality assurance mechanisms to maintain global competitiveness and academic integrity.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister described polytechnics as critical 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 innovative, employable and ready for the labour market.
He urged polytechnic administrators to deepen innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry collaborations, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, the minister stressed 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.
Dr. Alausa also highlighted sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and invest in resilient infrastructure. He said polytechnics 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 preference for university degrees, the minister 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 equip polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art facilities, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.
Education stakeholders at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, saying it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
