By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has approved the budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide, while raising concerns over compliance issues and staffing gaps at the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).
The decision followed a budget defence session at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, attended by rectors and senior officials from federal polytechnics across the country. 
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda, assured the institutions of stronger collaboration with lawmakers to tackle persistent challenges within the sector.
He described polytechnics as central to Nigeria’s industrial and technological ambitions, emphasising their vital role in producing middle-level technical manpower needed for national development.
Laguda, who represents Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State, emphasised the importance of continued funding and support for the sub-sector.
He reiterated that “the country’s quest for technological advancement cannot be achieved without well-funded and properly equipped technical institutions.”
While giving the polytechnics a nod on their budget performance, the committee signalled that closer scrutiny will continue, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and operational capacity at the computer council.
He said, “we are always partners in progress. Everything we do is to improve and make things work better.”
He urged the Committee of Federal Rectors to ensure that the few institutions yet to submit their budget documents do so without delay to facilitate effective legislative oversight.
In a related development, the committee directed the Registrar of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Adebayo Adegbiji, to submit all outstanding documents within seven days.
The committee chairman, Fuad Laguda, raised concerns about the council’s operational structure, questioning how it manages eight regional offices with a workforce of just 58 staff members. He sought further explanation on how effective coordination and service delivery are maintained despite the evident staffing constraints.
In response, Adegbiji assured lawmakers that the council remains committed to discharging its constitutional responsibilities. He explained that the CPN has the statutory mandate to regulate and accredit private organisations operating within the Information and Communication Technology sector.
He also undertook to submit all requested documents within the stipulated timeframe, reaffirming the council’s willingness to cooperate fully with the committee in the interest of accountability and improved performance within the sector.
