The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics across the country to award degrees, in a sweeping reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a catalyst for national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars. He described the decision as a landmark policy shift that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to the minister, the reform is designed to place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training. He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce capable of creating, building and solving real-world problems.
Dr. Alausa 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, he said polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence.
He assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and effective quality-assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness of graduates.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister stressed that polytechnics are central 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, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
Dr. Alausa 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.
On governance, he warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of 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 boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure. He added that polytechnics should aim to produce what they consume and contribute to national needs by reducing dependence on imports.
Dr. Alausa 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.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, he said the future of Nigeria’s youth, economy and national development depends on the transformation ignited by the reform.
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 contribution of polytechnics to key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
