Manny Ita
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially ended the long-standing academic and professional disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and Bachelor’s degree holders. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a strategic retreat for chairmen of governing councils and principal officers of federal polytechnics in Abuja on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. This policy shift, which forms a cornerstone of the current administration’s educational reforms, effectively removes the “glass ceiling” that previously restricted the career progression of polytechnic graduates in the public service.
Under the new framework, the government has authorized polytechnics to transition into degree-awarding institutions, specifically offering the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. Dr. Alausa clarified that the HND qualification will be phased out by the end of 2026, with the polytechnic system being reorganized to focus on high-level technical and vocational training within a degree-granting structure. He noted that the move is designed to address the persistent discrimination against polytechnic graduates, stating, “This policy shift will end decades of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and elevate polytechnics into centers of excellence. Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on a workforce equipped to create, build, and solve real-world problems—a core strength of the polytechnic system.”
To ensure the successful implementation of this transition, the Federal Ministry of Education is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to harmonize curricula and establish a dedicated regulatory body for the sector. The reform standardizes entry requirements and promotion tracks across the Civil Service, ensuring that graduates from technical institutions can reach the peak of their careers, including Grade Level 17, without the previous requirement for bridging programs. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to create a more motivated and skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological sectors.
