The Federal Government has unveiled a major reform aimed at ending the long-standing discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and university degree graduates by upgrading Nigerian polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a stakeholders’ meeting on technical and vocational education. He described the policy shift as a landmark step towards repositioning polytechnics as key drivers of national development.
Dr. Alausa explained that the reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen technical education, expand skills acquisition and dismantle systemic barriers that have restricted the career advancement of polytechnic graduates over the years.
According to him, the new policy will fully integrate polytechnics into Nigeria’s higher education system while preserving their core focus on practical, industry-oriented training.
“This reform will put an end to the unfair treatment of HND holders in employment, promotion and access to further education. It is a decisive move towards fairness, productivity and sustainable economic growth,” the minister said.
Boosting Education and National Growth
The minister noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on human capital development, adding that nations that invest strongly in technical and vocational education often record faster industrial and economic progress.
He added that granting degree status to polytechnics would enhance their global relevance, attract improved funding and deepen collaboration with industries in need of skilled manpower.
Dr. Alausa assured that the transition would be guided by strict quality assurance frameworks, with relevant regulatory bodies ensuring that academic and professional standards are upheld.
Positive Reactions from Stakeholders
Education experts and stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-awaited reform capable of restoring confidence in the polytechnic system.
They observed that the HND–degree dichotomy has discouraged many capable students from choosing polytechnics, despite their strong emphasis on practical skills and job readiness.
Stakeholders also expressed optimism that the reform would help close Nigeria’s widening skills gap in critical sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, technology and agriculture.
Impact on Students and Employment
Analysts say the policy could significantly enhance the employability of polytechnic graduates by placing them on equal academic footing with university degree holders in both public and private sectors.
They also believe it will ease access for polytechnic graduates seeking postgraduate studies, eliminating long-standing institutional barriers linked to qualification differences.
Next Steps
The Federal Government stated that detailed implementation guidelines, timelines and criteria for institutional readiness would be released in due course.
Observers stress that effective execution will be crucial to ensuring the reform achieves its objectives and strengthens Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape.