The Federal Ministry of Education has called for increased funding for polytechnics in Nigeria, emphasizing their crucial role in providing technical education and skilling the nation’s workforce. Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, made this appeal during a recent familiarization visit by the House Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education.
Professor Mamman highlighted the importance of polytechnics in addressing the country’s development needs, noting their pivotal role in supplying middle-level manpower and technical skills. He pointed out that the federal government has established 36 polytechnics across the country, with plans to complete the remaining ones.
The Minister addressed the pressing challenges facing polytechnics, stressing the urgent need for enhanced financial support and improved infrastructure. “Polytechnics are the backbone of our technical education system, yet they are constrained by inadequate resources. To meet the evolving demands of our economy, we must significantly increase our investment in these institutions,” Professor Mamman stated. He then called for a strategic boost in funding and a focus on equipping polytechnics with modern tools and facilities to ensure they can deliver high-quality technical training. He also solicited the support of the National Assembly to strengthen the budget for polytechnics, emphasizing the need for a balance between quantity and quality.
Prof Mamman announced the implementation of the DOTS policy, a transformative legacy project aimed at revolutionizing education in Nigeria. This policy focuses on data collection, teacher support and development, and skilling, with polytechnics playing a critical role in its implementation.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf, echoed the call for increased support, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the Ministry and legislative bodies. “The strength of our technical education system relies on robust support and clear communication between all stakeholders. We are committed to working together to build a stronger, more resilient polytechnic sector that will drive national development,” Dr. Yusuf affirmed.
In his address, Honourable Faud Kayode Laguda, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Ministry and outlined his commitment to addressing the sector’s needs. “Today’s meeting marks a crucial step in familiarizing ourselves with the challenges and opportunities within the polytechnic system. Our goal is to ensure that legislative support aligns with the Ministry’s needs, fostering a collaborative approach to enhancing technical education,” Laguda remarked.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to implementing supportive policies and ensuring the effective use of resources. “We appreciate the committee’s ongoing support and are committed to following through on the decisions made during this meeting. Our shared objective is to drive meaningful improvements in the polytechnic sector, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” Dr. Sani-Gwarzo concluded.
Boriowo Folasade
Director Press & PR
