In a landmark legislative move aimed at modernizing technical education and bridging Nigeria’s longstanding B.Sc./HND dichotomy, the Senate during Thursday’s plenary session has formally amended the Federal Polytechnic Act, empowering federal polytechnics across the country to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees.
The legislative amendment follows the Senate’s decision to rescind its earlier position that restricted federal polytechnics strictly to awarding National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND).
Under the newly inserted Section 2(1)(c) of the Act, polytechnics are now legally authorized to offer B.Tech. (Hons.) degrees in science, engineering, and technology-related fields to candidates holding an ND, HND, or Postgraduate Diploma. All degree programs will be subject to rigorous accreditation and regulatory oversight by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional bodies.
The motion for recommittal was introduced by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who emphasized the need to re-examine sections 2, 8, and 31 of the Act to provide clear administrative guidelines and establish a robust legal structure.
Key provisions of the approved bill include:
Degree Granting Powers (Section 2): Authorization for federal polytechnics to confer B.Tech. (Hons.) degrees upon eligible ND, HND, and Postgraduate Diploma holders following NUC accreditation.
Revised Leadership Tenure (Section 8): Governing councils will now appoint polytechnic Rectors for an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a final four-year renewal.
Ministerial Definition (Section 31): Updated definition designating the Minister as the official responsible for education.
Presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the bill passed seamlessly through a voice vote in the Committee of the Whole without opposition.
This reform directly addresses the historical career progression and entry-level disparities faced by polytechnic graduates in public and private sectors compared to university degree holders. By enabling polytechnics to award recognized bachelor’s degrees, the National Assembly takes a significant step toward eliminating career ceilings, harmonizing qualifications, and elevating technical education across Nigeria.
