The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called on polytechnics to champion innovation, good governance, and sustainability as critical drivers for Nigeria’s national development.
He made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during a retreat for polytechnic governing council chairmen, education commissioners, rectors, registrars, and bursars.
The event was organised by the Council for Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS) under the theme: “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development.”
Alausa highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Education prioritises revitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to produce industry-ready graduates equipped with practical and problem-solving skills.
He urged polytechnics to establish entrepreneurship centres, research hubs, and partnerships with industries to turn ideas into businesses and prepare graduates to become job creators.
“Innovation must be at the core of our polytechnics,” Alausa said. “Institutions should foster research hubs, entrepreneurship centres, and industry collaborations that transform concepts into prototypes and inventions into viable enterprises.”
He stressed that polytechnics should lead in fields such as renewable energy, agri-tech, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions, contributing directly to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
Alausa also emphasised that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership must guide governing councils, noting that impunity and corruption would no longer be tolerated.
He called for long-term funding strategies, increased internally generated revenue, eco-friendly campuses, and infrastructure that supports local production and reduces reliance on imports.
The minister assured stakeholders of continued government support under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including reforms to eliminate the HND dichotomy and strengthen polytechnic education.
Dr. Sani Tunga, Chairman of COHEADS, stressed the need for stronger collaboration to reposition polytechnics as key producers of skilled and entrepreneurial manpower.
He identified challenges in the sector, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, governance gaps, and the need to align training with evolving industry demands.
Tunga said the retreat provided a platform to explore innovative approaches to curriculum development, research, and industry partnerships while strengthening governance, transparency, and ethical leadership in institutions.
He also noted recurring conflicts among governing councils, management, and staff unions, which often disrupt institutional harmony and progress, adding that the retreat would help clarify roles and minimise disputes.
Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), observed that the TVET sector is experiencing renewed momentum after years of challenges.
He explained that recent policy reforms have begun to reposition technical education to meet national development needs and highlighted that the ongoing amendment of the Polytechnic Act had reached an advanced stage, passing second reading in the House of Representatives.
Bugaje said the amendment would allow polytechnics to award National Diplomas and Bachelor of Technology degrees in science, technology, and engineering, while non-science programmes would retain the HND pathway with clear progression to postgraduate qualifications.
He added that technical education in Federal Technical Colleges has been made free, with stipends provided to encourage enrolment and retention.
The NBTE chief also disclosed the establishment of Skills Training Centres nationwide, engaging thousands of trainers to equip youths with practical skills.
Bugaje revealed that a ministerial committee is monitoring skills interventions across 37 polytechnics, including upgrading engineering schools to international standards.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to support the reforms fully, emphasising that polytechnics should focus on skills-based education rather than simply mirroring the university system.