Education Minister Alausa reveals FG’s plan to scrap HND, Polytechnics to award degrees

•Dr. Tunji Alausa

 

Minister of Education, Dr. Tun­ji Alausa, has hinted of plans to remove existing dichotomy in Higher National Diploma (HND) by allowing polytechnics to award degrees.

 

He gave the hint while speak­ing at a high-level retreat held in Abuja yesterday, for ed­ucation stakeholders across the country, reports Daily Independent.

 

According to the minister, the policy is aimed at putting a stop to years of discrimination allegedly faced by polytechnic graduates and to reposition technical edu­cation for national growth.

 

He noted that polytechnics will retain their strong practical training focus while gaining wid­er academic recognition.

 

He said the reform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.

 

Alausa also stated that a skilled workforce is essential for Nigeria to remain competitive in today’s global economy.

 

The minister told participants that clear standards, strict regu­lation and strong quality assur­ance measures will guide the transition process to meet global standards.

 

Commenting on the theme, ‘Transforming Polytechnic Ed­ucation in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustain­ability for National Development’, Alausa noted that polytechnics play a vital role in building a skills-based economy.

 

He urged institutions to strengthen entrepreneurship cen­tres, research hubs and industry partnerships, especially in areas such as renewable energy, agri­culture technology, digital man­ufacturing and climate solutions.

 

He also cautioned that trans­parency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new phase of polytechnic ad­ministration.

 

On sustainability, he encour­aged schools to boost internally generated revenue, develop eco-friendly campuses and re­duce reliance on imports by producing what they consume. Despite challenges such as limit­ed funding, outdated facilities and societal preference for university degrees, he said greater opportu­nities lie ahead.

 

He disclosed that a special TETFund intervention has been approved this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with modern equipment.

 

Charging participants to return as agents of change, the minister said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our na­tion depends on the transforma­tion we ignite here today.”