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The Nigerian government has revealed plans to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the reform on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
Describing the policy as “a landmark shift,” Alausa said it would eliminate decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and transform polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
He noted that the reform would strengthen polytechnic education while retaining its focus on hands-on, industry-driven training.
The minister linked the initiative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises job creation, industrial growth, and human capital development. He said that degree-awarding powers would help polytechnics attract stronger industry partnerships, increased funding, and greater public confidence.
Alausa stated that the transition would be guided by clear standards, robust regulation, and quality assurance measures to ensure graduates remain globally competitive.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” he said polytechnics are essential to building a skills-driven economy.
He urged institutions to embed innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions as priority sectors.
The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging polytechnics to boost internally generated revenue, develop eco-friendly campuses, and produce locally to reduce reliance on imports.
Alausa further reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting the sector through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships.
He announced a special TETFund intervention this year to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities, following a similar upgrade of 12 medical colleges last year.
Addressing participants, the minister said: “The future of our youth, our economy, and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Experts at the retreat described the policy as a turning point that would boost enrolment, motivate staff and students, and enhance polytechnics’ contribution to sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
