The Federal Government has announced a major reform in Nigeria’s higher education system, revealing plans to eliminate the long-standing gap between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degrees by empowering polytechnics to award academic degrees.

The initiative is aimed at repositioning technical and vocational institutions as central players in national growth, innovation, and workforce development.

Announcement Made at National Education Retreat

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a strategic policy retreat held in Abuja. The event brought together key stakeholders, including governing council leaders, education commissioners, rectors, registrars, and bursars from tertiary institutions across the country.

According to the minister, the proposed shift marks a turning point for polytechnic education, as it addresses years of structural inequality faced by graduates of technical institutions.

A New Direction for Polytechnic Education

Dr. Alausa explained that while polytechnics will gain degree-awarding status, their hands-on, industry-focused training model will remain intact. The goal, he said, is to combine practical expertise with academic recognition, producing graduates who are both skilled and globally competitive.

He described the reform as a pathway to building a stronger workforce capable of responding to real-world challenges and driving long-term national development.

Alignment with National Development Goals

The minister noted that the policy supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes job creation, industrial expansion, and human capital development.

With enhanced academic standing, polytechnics are expected to benefit from improved funding opportunities, stronger partnerships with private sector industries, and increased public confidence in technical education.

Quality Assurance and Global Standards

Addressing concerns about standards, Dr. Alausa assured participants that the transition would be guided by strict regulatory oversight and a comprehensive quality assurance framework. These measures, he said, are designed to ensure that degrees awarded by polytechnics meet international benchmarks.

Building a Skills-Driven Economy

Speaking under the theme of innovation and sustainable governance in polytechnic education, the minister emphasized the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in shaping a modern, skills-based economy.

He encouraged institutions to expand entrepreneurship centers, strengthen research capacity, and develop stronger collaborations with industries, particularly in sectors such as:

• Renewable energy
  
• Agricultural technology
  
• Digital manufacturing
  
• Climate-resilient innovation
  

Sustainability and Institutional Growth

Dr. Alausa also called on polytechnics to focus on financial sustainability by increasing internally generated revenue, adopting environmentally responsible campus practices, and investing in durable, future-ready infrastructure.

He stressed that self-reliant institutions would be better positioned to support national goals, including reducing dependence on imports through local innovation and production.

Addressing Challenges and Expanding Support

While acknowledging obstacles such as limited funding, outdated facilities, and societal bias toward university education, the minister expressed confidence in the long-term benefits of the reform.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening polytechnics through targeted policies, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.

TETFund Intervention for Engineering Schools

As part of immediate support measures, Dr. Alausa revealed that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will roll out a special intervention this year to upgrade engineering departments in polytechnics with modern learning and research facilities. This follows a similar investment previously made in medical colleges nationwide.

Closing Message to Education Leaders

The minister urged participants at the retreat to return to their institutions as champions of reform, innovation, and good governance.

He concluded by emphasizing that the transformation of Nigeria’s education system and by extension, the nation’s future depends on the successful implementation of these forward-looking policies.