FG moves to end HND dichotomy, allow polytechnics to award degrees

The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

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 of polytechnics.

Describing the initiative as a landmark policy shift, Alausa said the reform would eliminate decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within the country’s higher education system. He noted that while the institutions would gain degree-awarding status, their core strength in practical, industry-oriented training would be preserved.

According to the minister, the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, industrialisation and human capital development. He said Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a skilled workforce capable of solving real-world problems.

Alausa explained that degree-awarding polytechnics would attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence. He assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, robust 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 stressed that polytechnics are vital to building a skills-driven economy. He added that the Ministry has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and economically productive.

He urged polytechnic administrators to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry collaborations, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as key focus areas.

On governance, the minister emphasised transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, calling for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption. He also encouraged institutions to pursue sustainability by boosting internally generated revenue, developing eco-friendly campuses and building resilient infrastructure.

While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, outdated facilities and societal bias favouring university degrees, Alausa said the opportunities presented by the reform outweigh the difficulties.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure development and partnerships. He also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for medical colleges last year.

Charging participants to act as agents of change, the minister said the transformation of polytechnic education is crucial to the future of Nigeria’s youth, economy and national development.

Education experts at the retreat hailed the announcement as a turning point, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.