Polytechnics Degree Bill Advances in House of Reps

House of Reps Supports Degree Granting for Polytechnics

The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act of 2004, thereby empowering polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees. On March 4, 2025, the bill successfully passed its second reading.

Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Fuad Laguda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Lagos State, the proposed legislation aims to address the longstanding disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree holders. A key provision of the bill seeks to elevate the status of polytechnic qualifications by granting these institutions the authority to confer Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to include representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the governing councils of polytechnics. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between technical education institutions and industry stakeholders, ensuring that polytechnic curricula align with current industrial needs.

Another significant aspect of the bill is the proposal to raise the qualification requirements for the position of rector in federal polytechnics to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. This measure is intended to enhance the academic leadership within these institutions.

During the debate, Representative Laguda emphasized the necessity for Nigerian polytechnics to adapt to global educational trends and best practices. He advocated for the bill’s passage, highlighting its potential to enhance the country’s technical education system and better prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Polytechnics and Other Higher Education Institutions for further consideration. If enacted, this legislation could significantly reform Nigeria’s higher education landscape by elevating the status of polytechnic institutions and their graduates.