The Federal Government has officially ended the longstanding Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy, placing new emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) and empowering polytechnics to award degrees.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa announced the policy shift during a high-level retreat in Abuja attended by education stakeholders, including Council Chairmen, Commissioners, Rectors, and Registrars.
“This policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on job creation, industrial growth, and bridging the gap between theory and practical skills to drive national development,” Dr. Alausa said.
The Minister emphasized that the reform aims to end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to foster stronger industry partnerships, secure better funding, and boost public confidence.
“Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce skilled in solving real-world problems,” he noted, calling for innovation hubs, entrepreneurship centres, and focus on renewable energy, agri-technology, and digital manufacturing.
Dr. Alausa assured that the transition will be supported by clear standards, robust regulation, and quality assurance to meet global benchmarks.
He also urged polytechnic management to uphold transparency, fiscal discipline, and ethical leadership, stressing the importance of sustainability and internally generated revenue through producing goods and services.
He concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to backing polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships to reduce reliance on imports and support national development.
