The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with federal polytechnics to reposition the sector for improved performance and national relevance.
Chairman of the committee, Fuad Laguda, made the pledge during the resumed budget defence session of federal polytechnics, underscoring the pivotal role technical institutions play in driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological progress.
Laguda described polytechnics as central to the development of skilled middle-level manpower, noting that such expertise remains indispensable to sustainable national growth. He stressed that meaningful technological advancement cannot be achieved without adequate funding, modern equipment, and sustained policy support for technical education.
According to him, the committee views itself as a development partner to the institutions, committed to strengthening systems and enhancing operational efficiency across the sector.
He also called on the Committee of Federal Rectors to ensure that outstanding budget submissions are forwarded without delay to facilitate thorough legislative oversight.
While approving the budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide, the committee expressed concern over compliance gaps and staffing shortages at the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).
Laguda questioned the sustainability of the council’s structure, particularly its management of eight regional offices with only 58 personnel. He requested further clarification on how the council maintains effective coordination and service delivery amid the staffing limitations.
The renewed pledge signals a legislative push toward strengthening technical education as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and technological transformation.
