FG to End HND–B.Sc Gap, Boost Polytechnics
The Federal Government has moved to abolish the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and University Degrees (B.Sc), a policy shift aimed at repositioning Polytechnics as Degree-awarding Institutions within Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System.
Global Mirror News gathered that the announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at a strategic retreat in Abuja attended by State Commissioners for education, as well as Rectors, Registrars and Bursars of Polytechnics Nationwide.
According to the Minister, the reform is designed to eliminate years of discrimination against HND holders in employment and career advancement, while strengthening technical and vocational education as a pillar of National development.
He disclosed that accredited Polytechnics would be empowered to Awards Degrees, while retaining their core mandate of practical, industry-focused training.
Dr. Alausa explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, industrialisation and job creation.
He noted that equipping graduates with hands-on skills remains critical to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Minister assured stakeholders that the new framework would be implemented with strict regulatory standards and quality assurance measures to ensure global competitiveness of degrees awarded by Polytechnics.
He added that the reform would enhance public confidence in Polytechnics Education, attract stronger industry partnerships and improve funding opportunities, while promoting innovation, research and entrepreneurship across the institutions.
While acknowledging challenges such as poor funding, ageing infrastructure and societal bias in favour of University Education, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to targeted interventions, including TETFund support, to upgrade facilities and strengthen capacity in Polytechnics.
Stakeholders at the retreat described the policy direction as a major turning point that could transform Nigeria’s higher education landscape and unlock the full potential of technical and vocational institutions.
