The Federal Government has approved amendments to the Polytechnic Act that will allow polytechnics across the country to award degrees, putting an end to the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy.
The move is complemented by a special 2026 TETFund initiative aimed at upgrading engineering facilities nationwide.
This development was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Education during the high-level retreat of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS), held at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja.
The retreat convened Governing Council Chairmen, Commissioners of Education, Rectors, Registrars, and Bursars to chart the future course of polytechnic education.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, described polytechnics as “vital institutions for productivity, innovation, and economic resilience.” He stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a priority, aiming to produce graduates with practical, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills ready for the industry.
Dr. Alausa urged polytechnics to strengthen partnerships with industry, establish entrepreneurship centres and research hubs, and prioritise innovation in renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions. He also highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and prudent financial management as the foundation for sustainable reform.
The Federal Government’s reforms are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to position polytechnics as centres of skills development, innovation, and national growth.
