FG moves to scrap HND–Degree divide, grants Polytechnics degree-awarding powers

The Federal Government has announced plans to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND)–degree dichotomy by empowering polytechnics across the country to award academic degrees, in what officials describe as a major reform of Nigeria’s higher education system.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat involving governing council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics nationwide.

Describing the move as a landmark policy shift, Alausa said the reform would eliminate decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition the institutions as centres of excellence in technical and vocational education.

According to him, the new policy is designed to strengthen polytechnic education while preserving its core advantage of hands-on, industry-focused training.

“Our future competitiveness as a nation depends on a workforce that can create, build and solve real-world problems,” the minister said.

He explained that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.

With degree-awarding status, Alausa said polytechnics would be better positioned to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence.

He assured stakeholders that the transition would be implemented under strict regulatory standards and quality assurance frameworks to ensure global competitiveness and academic integrity.

Speaking on the theme of the retreat, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister described polytechnics as critical to building a skills-driven economy.

He noted that the ministry had prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates were industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.

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

On governance, the minister warned that the success of the reform would depend on transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, stressing the need for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.

He also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to expand internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.

“Polytechnics should aim to produce what they consume and support national needs by reducing dependence on imports,” he said.

While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Alausa said the opportunities presented by the reform far outweighed the obstacles.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships.

The minister also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges in the previous year.

Charging participants at the retreat to return to their institutions as agents of change, Alausa said:
“The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”

Education experts at the retreat described the policy direction as a turning point for the sector, saying it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and enhance the contribution of polytechnics to key sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.