The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy, unveiling a major reform that will empower polytechnics to award degrees.
This landmark policy shift, aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development, was disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
Speaking at a high-level retreat for council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars, Alausa described the move as a transition that would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates.
According to the Minister, the reform will elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system while preserving their core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.
“This reform will place polytechnic education on a stronger footing, without losing its practical orientation,” Alausa said. 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.
He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build, and solve real-world problems, adding that polytechnics are central to achieving that goal.
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 robust quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
Addressing participants on the theme “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Alausa stressed that polytechnics are critical to building a skills-driven economy.
He stated 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.
Alausa urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and strong industry linkages, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas for research and development.
Regarding governance, Alausa warned that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits, and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also emphasized sustainability, urging institutions to boost internally generated revenue and develop eco-friendly campuses.
Acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps and outdated facilities, Alausa noted that the opportunities ahead far outweigh the constraints.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades, announcing a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of transformation, Alausa said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Education experts at the retreat hailed the announcement as a turning point that would boost enrolment and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to sectors like manufacturing and technology.