The Federal Government has unveiled plans to comprehensively transform Nigeria’s polytechnic education system as part of efforts to drive job creation, innovation and sustainable national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at a retreat organised by the Conference of Heads of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Similar Institutions for governing council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” Alausa said polytechnics remained critical to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting economic growth.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education is prioritising the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to ensure graduates acquire practical, industry-relevant skills.
Alausa urged polytechnic managers to promote entrepreneurship, research and stronger industry partnerships, stressing that innovation should be central to the institutions’ mandates.
He identified key focus areas such as renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as sectors where polytechnics could drive innovation and enterprise.
On governance, the minister called for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership, warning that corruption and conflicts of interest would no longer be tolerated in tertiary institutions.
He said the government expected fiscal discipline, timely audits and merit-based appointments to restore public confidence and attract investment into the sector.
Alausa also announced a special intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to upgrade engineering schools in polytechnics with modern equipment, following similar interventions in medical institutions.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, obsolete facilities and societal preference for university education, the minister assured stakeholders of continued government support under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology, Dr Sani Tunga, described the retreat as timely, noting that polytechnics play a vital role in producing skilled and entrepreneurial manpower.
Tunga identified persistent challenges including inadequate funding, governance gaps and recurring conflicts between governing councils, management and staff unions, which he said could undermine progress if not addressed.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said recent reforms marked a turning point for technical education after decades of neglect, adding that renewed attention to the sector would help close Nigeria’s skills gap and reduce unemployment.
The retreat brought together key stakeholders to chart a new course for polytechnic education, with participants expected to implement agreed reforms in their respective institutions.
