By Adora Okorokwo
The Federal Government has announced plans to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a driver of 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.
Dr. Alausa described the move as a landmark policy shift that will end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
He explained that the reform will preserve the polytechnics’ strength in hands-on, industry-focused training while enabling them to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding, and greater public confidence.
According to the minister, the policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth, and human capital development.
He stressed that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build, and solve real-world problems.
Dr. Alausa also emphasised governance, transparency, and sustainability in polytechnic administration, urging institutions to improve internally generated revenue, develop eco-friendly campuses, and build resilient infrastructure.
He acknowledged challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities, and societal bias in favour of university degrees but affirmed that the opportunities ahead for polytechnics are far greater.
The Minister assured that the transition will be guided by clear standards, quality assurance mechanisms, and strong regulation to ensure global competitiveness of polytechnic graduates.
