The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, marking a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a catalyst for national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Describing the initiative as a landmark policy shift, Alausa said the move would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system, while retaining their core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.
He recalled that the National Assembly had, in 2025, taken a similar bold step by passing a bill to abolish the HND–BSc dichotomy, describing the new policy direction as a continuation of legislative and executive commitment to equity, skills development and economic growth.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems, stressing that the reform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.
With degree-awarding status, Alausa said polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence. He assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and robust quality assurance to ensure global competitiveness.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister emphasised that polytechnics are critical to building a skills-driven economy and that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a top priority of the ministry.
On governance, he warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption.
Alausa also stressed sustainability, urging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and reduce dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, the minister said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the limitations, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships.
