The Federal Government has expressed readiness to equip graduates of polytechnics with practical, industry-ready skills to drive national development.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, stated this at a retreat for governing council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars and bursars in Abuja.
The retreat, themed “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” was organised by the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS).
Alausa announced a special intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to upgrade engineering departments in polytechnics with modern equipment, following similar interventions carried out in medical colleges last year.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education was prioritising the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure graduates are prepared for industry demands.
“We have adopted a policy that ensures our polytechnic graduates are industry-ready, innovative problem-solvers capable of driving national development,” he said.
The minister called for a comprehensive transformation of polytechnic education, stressing innovation, good governance and sustainability as critical pillars.
“Polytechnics are not mere institutions; they are the crucibles where innovation meets practicality, where skills forge economic resilience, and where sustainable development becomes a lived reality,” Alausa said.
He urged polytechnic leaders to prioritise entrepreneurship, research initiatives and strong industry partnerships to turn ideas into viable enterprises and job creation platforms.
Alausa identified renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as key priority sectors for government support.
He also called for transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in polytechnic governance, stressing zero tolerance for corruption.
“Governing councils and management must uphold transparency, accountability and ethical leadership. The era of impunity in our institutions is over,” he said.
The minister emphasised the need for sustainable funding through improved internally generated revenue and reduced dependence on imports.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias against technical education, Alausa expressed confidence in government support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged participants to return to their institutions and implement the reforms discussed at the retreat.