By Tony Obichiena, Abuja The federal government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma, HND, dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, in a major reform aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.

The Minister of Education, Dr.

Describing the move as a landmark policy shift, the minister said it would end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.

According to him, the reform will place polytechnic education on a stronger footing, while preserving its core strength in hands-on, industry-focused training.

He noted that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depended on a workforce equipped to create, build and solve real-world problems.

The minister explained that the policy aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritised job creation, industrial growth and human capital development.

With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract stronger industry partnerships, improved funding opportunities and greater public confidence.

Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the transition would be guided by clear standards, strong regulation and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure global competitiveness.

Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development,” the minister said polytechnics were critical to building a skills-driven economy.

He said the ministry had prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training,TVET, to ensure graduates were industry-ready, innovative and capable of driving economic growth.

He urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and robust industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.

Dr. Alausa warned that transparency, accountability and ethical leadership must define the new era in polytechnic administration, and called for fiscal discipline, timely audits, prudent resource management and zero tolerance for corruption.

The minister also emphasised sustainability, encouraging institutions to increase internally generated revenue through production and services, develop eco-friendly campuses and build resilient infrastructure.

Polytechnics, he said, should aim to produce what they consumed and support national needs by reducing dependence on imports.

While acknowledging challenges such as funding gaps, outdated facilities and societal bias in favour of university degrees, Dr. Alausa said the opportunities ahead were far greater.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting polytechnics through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and partnerships.

He further announced a special TETFund intervention this year to upgrade polytechnic engineering schools with state-of-the-art equipment, following a similar intervention for 12 medical colleges last year.

Charging participants to return to their institutions as agents of change, the minister said: “The future of our youth, our economy and our nation depends on the transformation we ignite here today.”

Education experts at the retreat described the announcement as a turning point, saying it would boost enrolment, motivate students and staff, and strengthen the contribution of polytechnics to key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.

 The Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr Peter Tanko, has paid the 2026 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) registration fees for 250 indigent students in public Secondary Schools.

Speaking at the inauguration of the WAEC fee payment exercise in Kafanchan, Tanko said that the gesture was borne out of his compassion to support less privileged students.

According to him, no child should be denied the opportunity to access education because of lack of funds.

He reiterated his commitment to initiating policies and programmes that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Yunana Barde, lauded the council chairman for placing premium on  educational development of his people.

Barde said that the importance of education to societal development could not be overemphasised.

Also speaking, Audu Dogara, the council’s Education Secretary, described the intervention as an investment in the children and the future of the local government.

He admonished the beneficiaries to see the gesture as an opportunity for them to give their best in the examination.

Mr Emmanuel Utung,  Chairman of the WAEC Sponsorship Committee, said that the beneficiaries cut across the 12 wards of the local government.

According to him, the gesture would go a long way in easing the financial burden on the beneficiaries’ parents.

Miss Benedicta Boniface, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries,  thanked the chairman for his magnanimity and promised that they would not disappoint him.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Reaffirming its strong commitment to free technical education and skills development, the Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges across Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education following the approval of the initiative by the Minister of Education, Dr.

The initiative according to a statement by the director of education, Folashade Boriowo on Monday, aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand access to quality technical and vocational education and to equip young Nigerians with practical, employable, and industry-relevant skills.

Registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Technical Colleges will open on Monday, 26th January 2026, and close on Sunday, 24th May 2026.

The entrance examination will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, 6th June 2026.

Prospective candidates are required to complete their applications through the official National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) online portal via the designated website.

The Ministry emphasises that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all applicants and remains a prerequisite for successful registration.

The Federal Government further reiterates that technical education in Federal Technical Colleges is fully funded upon admission, underscoring its commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and enhanced national productivity.

Admission is open to candidates aged between 13 and 20 years. Parents, guardians, and prospective candidates are advised to strictly comply with all application requirements and obtain information solely from official channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and designated examination bodies.