Abuja – The federal government has unveiled plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a catalyst for national development.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at a high-level retreat in Abuja attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
Describing the move as a landmark policy shift, Dr. Alausa said the reform would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates, elevate the institutions into centres of excellence, and strengthen their role within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
“The future competitiveness of Nigeria depends on a workforce equipped to create, innovate, and solve real-world challenges,” the minister stated, adding that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth, and human capital development.
With degree-awarding powers, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry collaborations, increased funding, and greater public confidence, the minister noted.
He assured that the transition would be guided by clear standards, robust regulation, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking under the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Dr. Alausa emphasised that polytechnics are central to building a skills-driven economy.
He highlighted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key priority to produce industry-ready graduates capable of driving economic growth.
The minister urged polytechnic leaders to foster innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and strategic industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, he stressed transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits, and prudent resource management with zero tolerance for corruption.
He further encouraged institutions to generate revenue internally, build eco-friendly campuses, and develop resilient infrastructure to support national needs and reduce import dependence.
Acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities, and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Dr. Alausa said the opportunities ahead outweigh the obstacles.
He also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following similar support for 12 medical colleges last year.
“The future of our youth, our economy, and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today,” he said, urging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change.
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Education experts present at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point that would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and enhance the contribution of polytechnics to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
