The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees, a reform intended to reposition technical and vocational education and address discrimination against polytechnic graduates.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat of education stakeholders, including council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Describing the policy shift as a landmark initiative, Alausa said it would end decades of discrimination between holders of HND and university degrees and elevate polytechnics as centres of academic and technical excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to the minister, the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrialisation and human capital development.
He said the government’s focus on enhancing polytechnic status reflects the country’s need for a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a competitive global economy.
A key objective of the policy is to preserve polytechnics’ traditional strength in practical, industry-oriented training while granting them the authority to confer degrees.
Stakeholders were assured that degree-awarding status would be implemented under strict standards, robust regulatory frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.
The minister noted that degree-awarding polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, enhanced funding opportunities and increased public confidence in technical and vocational education.
He urged polytechnic administrators to develop entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and industry collaborations to expand innovation and practical solutions in sectors such as renewable energy and digital manufacturing.
Alausa emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership as polytechnics transition into expanded academic roles.
He encouraged institutions to explore sustainability through improved internally generated revenue, environmentally friendly campuses and resilient infrastructure.
Education experts attending the retreat described the announcement as a turning point for Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
They said the reform could boost enrolment, improve staff and student motivation, and deepen polytechnics’ contributions to national development in areas such as technology, agriculture and manufacturing.
The planned reform responds to long-standing calls by students, educators and policymakers to address the HND/first-degree dichotomy that has historically affected career progression and recognition for polytechnic graduates.
Observers said clarifying the status of polytechnic degrees could enhance opportunities for graduates within both public and private sector employment.
The Federal Government said the transition process would be phased and guided by regulatory oversight to ensure seamless implementation and maintain high academic standards.
If implemented, the policy could significantly alter Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape by recognising polytechnics as fully-fledged degree-granting institutions, potentially reducing the existing disparity between HND and university degree holders.
The Federal Government’s announcement marks a major policy shift in higher education, aimed at strengthening technical education, increasing graduate competitiveness and supporting national development priorities.
