The Federal Government has announced a decisive policy shift to end the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and university degree graduates by granting degree-awarding status to Nigerian polytechnics.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders in the technical and vocational education sector, describing the move as a major reform aimed at repositioning polytechnics for national development.
According to the minister, the decision is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen technical education, promote skills acquisition and eliminate systemic discrimination that has limited the career progression of polytechnic graduates over the years.
He said the reform would ensure that polytechnics are fully integrated into Nigeria’s higher education framework, while still retaining their core mandate of providing practical, industry-driven training.
“This policy will finally address the unfair treatment of HND holders in employment, promotion and further academic pursuits. It is a bold step towards equity, productivity and economic growth,” Alausa said.
Education Reform and National Development
The minister explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that countries that prioritise technical education often experience faster industrial growth.
He added that granting degree status to polytechnics would improve their global competitiveness, attract better funding and strengthen collaboration with industries requiring skilled manpower.
Alausa stressed that the transition would be guided by strict quality assurance measures to ensure academic standards are maintained, with regulatory agencies playing key oversight roles.
Stakeholders Welcome Decision
Education stakeholders and experts have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-awaited breakthrough that could restore confidence in the polytechnic education system.
They noted that the HND-degree dichotomy has discouraged many talented students from enrolling in polytechnics, despite the institutions’ strong focus on hands-on training and employable skills.
Some stakeholders also expressed optimism that the reform would help address Nigeria’s growing skills gap in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, technology and agriculture.
Implications for Students and Employment
Analysts believe the policy could significantly improve employment prospects for polytechnic graduates by placing them on equal academic footing with university degree holders in both the public and private sectors.
They also noted that the reform could expand opportunities for polytechnic graduates to pursue postgraduate studies without facing institutional barriers linked to their qualifications.
Looking Ahead
The Federal Government said further details on implementation guidelines, timelines and institutional readiness would be communicated in due course.
Observers say effective implementation will be critical to ensuring the reform delivers its intended benefits and strengthens Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system.