Federal Government to Scrap HND, Elevate Polytechnics to Degree-Awarding Institutions

The Federal Government has initiated a sweeping reform aimed at eliminating the long-standing disparity between holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and university degrees in Nigeria.

As part of the policy shift, polytechnics across the country will be granted the authority to award academic degrees, a move designed to bring an end to years of professional and institutional discrimination against graduates of technical institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic retreat involving council chairmen, rectors, and other key education stakeholders. He described the development as a bold step toward transforming polytechnics into centres of excellence that stand on equal footing with universities in driving national development.

According to Dr. Alausa, the reform goes beyond a mere change in nomenclature, noting that it is intended to reposition technical and vocational education as a critical driver of Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth. He emphasized that the nation’s future depends on a skilled workforce capable of practical problem-solving, innovation, and production—strengths traditionally associated with polytechnic training.

The Minister added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that degree-awarding status would enable polytechnics to attract improved funding, strengthen collaboration with industries, and restore public confidence in technical education.

He assured stakeholders that robust regulatory frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms would be enforced to ensure that degrees awarded by polytechnics meet international standards.

Dr. Alausa also underscored the need for integrity in the management of polytechnics, warning administrators that transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption must guide the new phase of reforms.

To further support the transition, the Minister announced a special intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to modernise engineering schools in polytechnics through the provision of advanced equipment and facilities.

While acknowledging persistent challenges such as obsolete infrastructure and societal prejudice against technical education, Dr. Alausa expressed optimism about the future. He urged polytechnic leaders to embrace their roles as change agents by prioritising innovation in emerging fields such as renewable energy and digital manufacturing.

The move also builds on long-standing advocacy by stakeholders and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the passage of the Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill.

The proposed legislation, which has appeared in different forms before the National Assembly, seeks to sanction organisations that discriminate against HND holders in recruitment, remuneration, and career advancement.