The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the long-standing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement on Wednesday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
He called for a comprehensive transformation of Nigeria’s polytechnic education system, stressing innovation, good governance and sustainability as critical pillars for national development.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Alausa described polytechnics as vital institutions where innovation meets practicality and where skills translate into economic resilience and sustainable growth.
The minister described the decision to grant degree-awarding status to polytechnics as a landmark policy shift that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate the institutions within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the reform will strengthen polytechnic education while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training, adding that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.
He 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, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, better funding opportunities and increased public confidence. The minister assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Alausa emphasised that the Ministry of Education has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
He urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and robust industry partnerships, highlighting renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, the minister stressed 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.
He also highlighted sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Alausa said the opportunities ahead are far greater.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships, and announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said the future of the nation’s youth, economy and development depends on the transformation initiated at the retreat.
Education experts at the event 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 including manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
