The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s polytechnics as centres of innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, announced the initiative on Tuesday while declaring open a high-level retreat of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS) at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Auditorium in Abuja. A statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, said the retreat brought together Governing Council chairmen, Commissioners of Education, Rectors, Registrars, and Bursars from across the country.
Dr. Alausa described polytechnics as critical drivers of productivity, innovation, and economic resilience, stressing that revitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a top priority of the Federal Government. He noted that the reforms are designed to produce industry-ready graduates with strong practical, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills.
The minister urged polytechnic institutions to deepen partnerships with industry, establish functional entrepreneurship centres and research hubs, and prioritise innovation in key areas such as renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions.
He also underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and prudent financial management, describing them as essential pillars for achieving sustainable reforms within the polytechnic system.
Dr. Alausa further disclosed that amendments to the Polytechnic Act are currently underway to address the longstanding Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy and to empower polytechnics to award degrees. In addition, he announced a special 2026 TETFund intervention targeted at upgrading engineering and technical facilities across polytechnics nationwide.
According to him, the reforms are expected to strengthen the relevance of polytechnic education, enhance graduate employability, and position the institutions as key contributors to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
