By Akinwale Kasali
The dichotomy between Degrees and Higher National Diploma, HND, is set to be abolished following the announcement made by the Federal Government on plans to scrap the long-standing dichotomy.
The FG has also announced plans to empower Polytechnics to award degrees in a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister for Education, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing a high-level retreat of Council Chairmen, Commissioners of Education, Rectors, Registrars and Bursars.
Alausa described the move as a landmark policy shift, saying it would end decades of discrimination against Polytechnic graduates and elevate Polytechnic into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the reform would 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 equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.
The Minister explained that the policy aligns with President Bola 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, improved funding opportunities and greater 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.
Speaking on the theme “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development”, the Minister said polytechnics are critical to building a skills-driven economy.
He stressed that the Ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
He urged Heads of Polytechnics 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.
He further warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration.
He also called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.
Emphasizing on sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure, Alausa said Polytechnics should aim to produce what they consume and support national needs by reducing dependence on imports.
He, however, acknowledged challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, and opportunities ahead are far greater.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships.
He 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.
He charged participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, saying 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.
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