THE Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors (COFER) has joined the fray in calls for the Federal Government to approve demand for polytechnics to award Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) degree to remove the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma and Bachelor’s degree awarded by universities.
The Committee also called for the establishment of the National Polytechnic Commission to replace the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Chairman of the Committee, Professor Aliyu Mamman, presented its position to the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa during an interactive session in Abuja.
The meeting was at the instance of the minister as part of wider stakeholders’ consultation on how to improve technical and vocational education in Nigeria giving the enormous challenges of skills gap in the country.
Mamman, explained that allowing polytechnics to award B.Tech would bridge the gap between technical education and the labour market, while also enhancing the prestige of the institutions.
The age-long dichotomy between HND and B.Sc, especially in public service in Nigeria is ingrained. In spite of the Federal Government’s pronouncement on removal of the dichotomy, so many of its agencies still discriminate against holders of Higher National Diploma certificate when it comes to career progression and ceiling where an officer could aspire.
Recalling some of these challenges being faced by HND holders in workplace and scant attention being paid to technical education in the country, Mamman said the interaction with the Minister would provide an opportunity to address critical issues affecting the progress of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector so as to explore best strategies that will enhance effective administration of all federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.
“As stakeholders in the sector, we are committed to the vision of providing high quality technical and vocational education that aligns with national development goals. However, to realise this vision fully, we humbly solicit for Honourable Minister’s intervention and support in addressing some of the pressing challenges,” he said.
He listed some of the concerns requiring the minister’s intervention to include, establishment of a National Polytechnic Commission; Awarding of Degrees by Polytechnics; Review of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Intervention Sharing Formula; addressing recruitment challenges and approval of appointment of Rectors and release of the 2023 Needs Assessment Fund among others.
Speaking on the TETFund allocation formula, Mamman noted that the current sharing formula of 2:1 in favour of Universities put the Polytechnics in a disadvantaged position and there is need for its review to ensure equity and fairness among the three sectors of the tertiary education system; universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
He underscored the importance of adequate funding for the TVET sector, which he noted is equipment based.
“We appeal for increased allocations from TETFund to support infrastructural development, purchase of modern equipment, conduct of functional research, and innovation in Polytechnics, which will all improve the quality of education being provided in the TVET Sector especially in the area of skill acquisition, one of the cardinal objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” he stated.
On recruitment, the Committee lamented that over the years, recruitment bottlenecks have seriously hindered timely engagement of qualified personnel to teach in Polytechnics, while appealing to the Minister to intervene in the removal of the condition of obtaining Authorized Establishment from the Office of Head of Service on yearly basis.
Mamman added this would enable the Polytechnic sector to attract and retain the best talents to sustain academic excellence in the system.
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The Committee also demanded for the release of the 2023 Needs Assessment Fund, stressing that the funds are crucial for addressing infrastructural deficits, improving teaching and learning environments, and enhancing the overall quality of education in the Polytechnic sector.
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, in his remarks, assured the committee that the Ministry would look into the issues raised while reaffirming the commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise technical education and skills development in the country.
“As part of our Ministry’s six-point agenda to transform Nigeria’s education system, we are emphasizing the revitalization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Our strategy adopts the tried and tested pareto rule of 80/20 ratio, favouring practical over theoretical training.
“This new curriculum is designed to equip students with the hands-on skills required to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce. By aligning academic programs with industry demands, TVET prepares students for careers in high-impact sectors such as ICT, carpentry, electrical installations, and advanced manufacturing.
“This innovative approach is designed not only to tackle low enrollment in our technical institutions but also to ensure that graduates possess market-relevant skills critical to Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable development,” he stated.
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