The Federal Government has announced 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 key driver of 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 move as a landmark policy shift that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and transform polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to the minister, the reform will strengthen polytechnic education while preserving its core emphasis on practical, industry-oriented training. He said 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. He added that degree-awarding status would enhance industry partnerships, funding opportunities and public confidence in polytechnic education.
The minister assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and robust quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Dr. Alausa said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a priority, urging institutions to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry collaboration, particularly in renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions.
He also emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in polytechnic governance, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption. On sustainability, he encouraged institutions to boost internally generated revenue, 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While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, the minister said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the difficulties. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships, announcing a special TETFund intervention this year to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities.
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point that would boost enrolment, motivate staff and students, and strengthen polytechnics’ contributions to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
