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 repositioning technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Describing the move as a landmark policy shift, the minister said it would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the reform will place polytechnic education on a stronger footing, while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.
He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depended on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.
The minister explained that the policy aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritised job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence.
Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong 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 said polytechnics were critical to building a skills-driven economy.
Vanguard
