The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, in a sweeping 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 of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
Describing the initiative as a major 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, while retaining their strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused training.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s global competitiveness depends on a skilled workforce capable of innovation, production, and solving real-world problems. He explained that the policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial expansion, and human capital development.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities, and increased public confidence. Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by strict standards, effective 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 described polytechnics as critical to building a skills-driven economy. He said the ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready and capable of driving economic growth.
He urged polytechnic administrators to embed innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and strong industry collaborations, highlighting renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as priority sectors.
On governance, Dr. Alausa stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management, and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses, and invest in resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics, he added, should strive to produce what they consume and help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, outdated facilities, and societal bias favouring university degrees, the minister said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the difficulties. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Alausa further 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.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, he said, “The future of our youth, our economy, and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the role of polytechnics in key sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
