The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning polytechnics across the country as centres of innovation and skills development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, made this known while flagging off a comprehensive reform programme for the nation’s polytechnic sector at the Committee of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COHEADS) retreat held in Abuja.
The reforms, he said, are aimed at strengthening technical capacity, boosting employability, and driving national development through skills-based education.
According to the Minister, the reform agenda places strong emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), deepening industry partnerships, and the establishment of functional entrepreneurship and innovation centres within polytechnics.
He noted that these initiatives are designed to ensure that graduates are equipped with practical, market-relevant skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Dr. Alausa explained that the reforms will also prioritise innovation in critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, digital manufacturing, and climate solutions, positioning polytechnics as key contributors to Nigeria’s industrial growth and sustainable development.
He stressed that polytechnic education must move beyond theory to become a driving force for applied research and home-grown solutions.
As part of the reform measures, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is in the process of amending the Polytechnic Act to address longstanding challenges, including the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degrees.
He described the amendment as a critical step toward restoring confidence in polytechnic qualifications and promoting equal career progression opportunities for graduates.
Dr. Alausa further announced plans for a major intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in 2026, aimed at upgrading engineering and technical facilities in polytechnics nationwide.
The intervention, he said, will enhance training quality, modernise laboratories and workshops, and support the production of skilled manpower required for national development.
The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms and reposition polytechnics as vibrant hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development in Nigeria.
