The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it will push for a wide overhaul of Nigeria’s polytechnic system to produce more job creators and build stronger links with industry.
Education Minister Dr Maruf Alausa told a retreat of polytechnic leaders that “Polytechnics are not mere institutions; they are the crucibles where innovation meets practicality.”
He said the ministry wants graduates who are “industry-ready, innovative problem-solvers capable of driving national development.”
Alausa urged schools to set up “entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and industry partnerships that turn ideas into prototypes,” and named renewable energy, agricultural technology and digital manufacturing as priority areas.
He said the government will back the changes under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister also called for better governance.
“Governing Councils and Management teams must uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership,” he said, asking colleges to avoid conflicts of interest and practise fiscal discipline.
The National Board for Technical Education and Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEADS) leaders said the sector has been neglected for years and needs urgent reform.
COHEADS chairman Dr Sani Tunga said the retreat aims to reduce conflicts between councils, management and unions and improve curriculum and industry links.
Alausa announced a special TETFund intervention to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following earlier help to medical colleges.
He told participants to return home and put the new ideas into action.
