The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy, unveiling a sweeping reform that will empower polytechnics across the country to award degrees.
The development, aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a major driver of national development, was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
Speaking at a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars, Alausa described the policy as a landmark shift that would finally 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.
Alausa noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce capable of creating, building and solving real-world problems, stressing that polytechnics are central to achieving this objective.
With the introduction of degree-awarding status, the minister said polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence.
He 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 described polytechnics as critical to building a skills-driven economy.
He revealed 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.
The minister urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and stronger industry linkages, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas for research and development.
On governance, Alausa warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.
He also emphasised sustainability, urging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.
According to him, polytechnics should strive to produce what they consume and support national needs by reducing dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, the minister maintained that the opportunities ahead far outweigh the constraints.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships.
Alausa further announced a special TETFund intervention scheduled for this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of transformation, 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 major turning point for technical education in Nigeria, noting that 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.
