The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s polytechnics as strategic hubs for innovation, skills development and sustainable national growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, stated this while formally declaring open the high-level retreat of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS), held at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja.
The retreat brought together Governing Council Chairmen, Commissioners of Education, Rectors, Registrars and Bursars to deliberate on the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa described polytechnics as critical institutions where practical skills, innovation and productivity converge to drive economic resilience and national development. He stressed that the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a core priority of the Federal Ministry of Education, with a strong focus on producing industry-ready graduates equipped with hands-on competencies, entrepreneurial capacity and problem-solving skills.
The Minister called on polytechnics to strengthen industry partnerships, establish functional entrepreneurship centres and research hubs, and deliberately prioritise innovation in strategic areas such as renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions.
According to him, this approach will enhance national productivity, reduce import dependence and position polytechnics as engines of inclusive growth.
Emphasising governance as a foundation for sustainable reform, Dr. Alausa charged Governing Councils and management teams to uphold transparency, accountability, ethical leadership and merit-based decision-making. He underscored the importance of prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, timely audits and zero tolerance for corruption, noting that these measures are essential for rebuilding public confidence and attracting investment into the sector.
On sustainability, the Minister urged institutions to adopt long-term strategies that diversify funding sources and strengthen internally generated revenue through production, innovation and service delivery. He encouraged polytechnics to develop local solutions that address national needs in food security, energy, equipment and infrastructure, while acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps and outdated facilities.
Reassuring stakeholders of government support, Dr. Alausa disclosed that ongoing amendments to the Polytechnic Act are aimed at addressing the HND dichotomy and elevating the status of polytechnic qualifications, including enabling polytechnics to award degrees. He also announced a special TETFund intervention in 2026 to upgrade Schools of Engineering in selected polytechnics with state-of-the-art equipment, further positioning them as centres of excellence in skills development.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris M. Bugaje, noted that the TVET sector is experiencing renewed momentum after years of systemic challenges. He attributed this to deliberate reforms and strong leadership, highlighting expanded access to free technical education in Federal Technical Colleges, the establishment of Skills Training Centres nationwide and large-scale youth skills empowerment programmes. He urged polytechnics to embrace their unique mandate as skills-driven institutions central to national development.
Earlier, the Chairman of COHEADS, Dr. Sani Usman Tunga, described the retreat as timely and strategic, noting that it provides a platform for strengthening cooperation among Governing Councils and management, improving governance, enhancing financial sustainability and reducing conflicts that often hinder institutional progress. He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and collaboration would translate into tangible reforms across the system.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to providing clear policy direction, strong institutional support and targeted strategic interventions to enable polytechnics effectively fulfil their mandate as drivers of innovation, skills development and national transformation, in alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Nigeria.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
