Polytechnic CGC Push for Major Reforms: Call for Polytechnic Commission and HND-to-B.Tech Upgrade

Chairmen of Governing Councils (CGC) of Nigerian Polytechnics have called for the transformation of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a full-fledged commission dedicated to polytechnic education. They also recommended upgrading the Higher National Diploma (HND) to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree, among other reforms.

The resolutions were made in a communiqué issued at the CGC meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, from February 9 to 14, 2025. Dr. Y. M. Bande, Secretary of the Chairmen of Federal Polytechnics, emphasized that technical education and skills development are crucial for Nigeria’s economic future.

Recommendations:

1. Creation of a Polytechnic Commission – Unlike universities and colleges of education, polytechnics currently lack a dedicated commission. With NBTE overseeing 787 institutions, the CGC argues that a specialized body is necessary to effectively manage and advance polytechnic education.
2. HND to B.Tech Upgrade – The council recommended transitioning the HND qualification to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech Hons) degree, with entry requirements including O’ Level results, National Diploma (ND), and an Industrial Training certificate.
3. Absorption of Outsourced Staff – The federal government should take over cleaning and security services in polytechnics, aligning with policies in other tertiary institutions.
4. Improved Power Supply – The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) should prioritize solar electrification projects in polytechnics to enhance learning conditions.
5. Skills Development Fund – A dedicated fund should be established to promote skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training among students.
6. Securing Polytechnic Campuses – Institutions should be fenced to prevent land encroachment and enhance security for students and staff.
7. Proper Planning for New Polytechnics – The CGC urged the government to conduct thorough feasibility studies before establishing new polytechnics to prevent resource misallocation.
8. Curriculum Overhaul – Special funding should be allocated to review and modernize polytechnic curricula to align with technological advancements and industry needs.
9. TETFund Intervention – The restriction barring polytechnics with fewer than 1,000 students from benefiting from 2025 TETFund interventions should be reconsidered to support newly established institutions.
10. ₦100 Billion Agricultural Technology Fund – Polytechnics offering agricultural technology courses with sufficient farmland should be eligible for a proposed ₦100 billion intervention fund.

The CGC expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa for entrusting them with the responsibility of overseeing polytechnics. They also extended gratitude to the Cross River State government and the host institution, Ugep Polytechnic, for their hospitality during the retreat.