FG moves to upgrade polytechnics to award degrees

The federal government stated that the ongoing amendment to the Polytechnic Act is intended to empower polytechnics to award degree programmes. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat involving commissioners for education, polytechnic rectors, registrars and bursars across the country. He described the decision as a […]

The federal government stated that the ongoing amendment to the Polytechnic Act is intended to empower polytechnics to award degree programmes.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat involving commissioners for education, polytechnic rectors, registrars and bursars across the country.
He described the decision as a landmark policy shift that would finally end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
Dr Alausa said, “Ongoing amendments to the Polytechnic Act are aimed at addressing the HND dichotomy and elevating the status of polytechnic qualifications, including enabling polytechnics to award degrees.”
According to the minister, the reform would place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength of hands-on, industry-driven training.
Dr Alausa said the policy aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and increased public confidence, he added.
Assuring stakeholders of quality, the minister said the transition would be guided by clear standards, effective regulation and robust quality-assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.