Nigerian Senate Amends Federal Polytechnic Act, Empowers Institutions to Award Bachelor’s Degrees

The Nigerian Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to empower federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

The amendment followed the Senate’s decision to rescind its earlier position on the Act, which restricted federal polytechnics to awarding National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.

The Senate adopted the changes on Thursday after considering a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

Mr Bamidele had urged the Senate to recommit the Act to the Committee of the Whole, citing the need to review certain provisions of Sections 2, 8 and 31 to provide administrative clarity and establish a comprehensive legal framework for the institutions.

## Key Provisions of the Amendment

The amendment introduces a new subsection, Section 2(1)(c), authorising federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes to holders of the ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma.

The provision states that the award of such degrees will be subject to accreditation by the NUC and other relevant regulatory bodies.

The amendment also revises Section 8 of the Act, which governs the appointment and tenure of rectors in federal polytechnics.

Under the revised provision, the governing council of a polytechnic is to appoint a rector for an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final term of four years.

Section 31 is also amended to redefine a minister as the officer responsible for education.

## Senate Approves Changes

The proposed amendments were considered by the Committee of the Whole during Thursday’s plenary.

No senator opposed the proposed changes during the deliberations. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently put the amended provisions to a voice vote, which received majority support.

## Addressing the B.Sc.–HND Disparity

The amendment comes amid longstanding concerns over disparities between university graduates holding Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees and polytechnic graduates with Higher National Diplomas.

HND holders have historically faced differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities, remuneration and eligibility for certain positions in both the public and private sectors.

In the federal civil service, a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in March 2018 permitted HND holders to enter the service at Salary Grade Level 08. However, career progression beyond Grade Level 14 and conversion to the officer cadre have remained subject to applicable schemes of service and public service rules.

The issue has also featured in legislative debates. In 2023, the House of Representatives raised concerns over alleged disparities in the promotion of HND and degree holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and called on the relevant authorities to comply with existing directives.

Successive administrations and the National Assembly have introduced policy measures and legislative proposals aimed at addressing the disparity. However, concerns over recruitment, promotion and career advancement have persisted.

## Implications for Polytechnic Graduates

The amendment could expand academic opportunities for polytechnic graduates by creating a pathway for federal polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees in specified technical and technology-related fields.

It may also strengthen the position of polytechnic education within Nigeria’s tertiary education system and potentially improve graduates’ competitiveness in the labour market.

However, the extent to which the reform will address the longstanding disparity between university and polytechnic graduates remains uncertain.

Its practical impact will depend on the implementation of the amended law, the accreditation of relevant programmes and the recognition of the new qualifications by employers and public service authorities.

A broader review of recruitment policies, promotion criteria and schemes of service may also be necessary to ensure that the new qualifications translate into fairer employment and career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates.

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