Nigeria: Federal gov’t to scrap HND dichotomy
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The federal government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees. This major reform aims to reposition technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while addressing a high-level retreat of council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars in Abuja. He described the move as a landmark policy shift that will end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to Alausa, the reform will place polytechnic education on a stronger footing while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training. He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build, and solve real-world problems.
The policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, industrial growth, and human capital development. With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities, and greater public confidence.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of innovation, good governance, and sustainability in transforming polytechnic education.
The minister identified priority areas for polytechnics, including renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions. He urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and robust industry partnerships.
On governance, Alausa warned that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management, and zero tolerance for corruption.
The federal government has announced a special TETFund intervention to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships.
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, saying it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
