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FG set to end HND–BSc dichotomy to allow polytechnics award degrees
The Federal Government has announced plans to finally scrap the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree holders by empowering polytechnics across the country to award degrees.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known in Abuja while addressing a high-level retreat attended by council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars of polytechnics nationwide.
Describing the decision as a major policy shift, Dr. Alausa said the reform would put an end to decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.
According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education while preserving the hands-on, industry-focused training that polytechnics are known for.
“Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce that can create, build and solve real-world problems,” the minister said, adding that the reform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, industrial expansion and human capital development.
With degree-awarding powers, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence. Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strict regulation and quality assurance measures to ensure global competitiveness.
“Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister stressed that polytechnics remain central to building a skills-driven economy.
He said the Ministry of Education has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.
Dr. Alausa urged polytechnic leaders to promote innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and strong industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.
On governance, he warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era of polytechnic administration. He called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.
The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to boost internally generated revenue through production and service delivery, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure. Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consume and help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Dr. Alausa said the opportunities ahead far outweigh the obstacles.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and strategic partnerships. He also announced a special TETFund intervention this year to equip polytechnic engineering schools with modern facilities, following a similar upgrade of 12 medical colleges last year.
Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said, “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”
Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, noting that it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the role of polytechnics in key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, warning that such activities pose grave risks to lives and violate both national and international laws.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that the recent media investigations and security reports revealed that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Many of the victims were reportedly deployed to active combat zones after being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.
“Recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship,” the Ministry noted.
In some cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories.
The Nigerian government unequivocally warned citizens against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions endanger lives and may contravene laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
“Individuals who engage in such activities outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the Ministry emphasised.
To curb the trend, the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate developments and intensify public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.
Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.
The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, reiterating that citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign armed conflicts under any circumstances.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents.
The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the popular food market, destroying goods and leaving many traders counting their losses.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and expressed deep concern over the impact on livelihoods.
President Tinubu said he had reached out to Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a firsthand-situation report on the disaster.
“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, especially coming less than two weeks after another fire outbreak at the same market. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” the President was quoted as saying.
He directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the causes of the repeated fires, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences.
“The recurring market fires that leave our hardworking traders in despair must be addressed decisively. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and recommend lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
Do not enlist in foreign armed conflicts, FG warns citizens
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