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.
The amendment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, particularly for graduates of polytechnics who have long raised concerns about disparities between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and university degree holders in employment and career progression.
The decision followed the Senate’s resolution on Thursday to reconsider and amend provisions of the Act that previously restricted federal polytechnics to awarding National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
Under the revised provision, federal polytechnics can award B.Tech. Hons. degrees to eligible holders of ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
How the Amendment Emerged
The amendment followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, during plenary.
Bamidele argued that certain provisions of Sections 2, 8 and 31 of the Federal Polytechnic Act required further legislative scrutiny to provide administrative clarity and establish a comprehensive legal framework for the institutions.
He consequently urged the Senate to recommit the Act to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration and amendment.
The proposed changes were subsequently considered and adopted through a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with no senator reportedly opposing the amendments during the debate.
New Powers for Federal Polytechnics
One of the major changes introduces a new subsection, Section 2(1)(c), which authorises federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes.
However, the institutions must satisfy the accreditation requirements of the NUC and other relevant regulatory agencies before the degrees can be awarded.
The amendment also revises provisions governing the appointment and tenure of rectors in federal polytechnics.
Under the revised arrangement, a governing council will appoint a rector for an initial five-year term, with the possibility of a second and final four-year term.
Additionally, Section 31 has been amended to redefine a minister as the officer responsible for education.
What It Means for HND Holders
The development could have significant implications for polytechnic graduates, many of whom have expressed concerns about the unequal treatment of HND and university degree holders in parts of Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Over the years, HND holders have faced reported differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities and eligibility for certain positions compared with graduates holding Bachelor of Science degrees.
Although successive administrations have introduced policies to address the disparity, concerns about career progression and equal opportunities have persisted.
In the federal civil service, a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in March 2018 allowed HND holders to enter the service at Salary Grade Level 08. However, further progression and conversion to the officer cadre have remained subject to applicable public service rules and schemes of service.
The National Assembly has also previously raised concerns about disparities affecting HND holders in some government establishments, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Will the Amendment End the HND/BSc Dichotomy?
While the Senate’s decision represents a major legislative development for federal polytechnics, its practical impact will depend on the implementation of the amended law and compliance with accreditation requirements.
The recognition of the new B.Tech. degrees by employers, alongside possible adjustments to recruitment policies, promotion guidelines and public service regulations, will be important in determining whether the amendment significantly reduces the longstanding disparity between polytechnic and university graduates.
For prospective students and existing polytechnic graduates, the development could expand academic opportunities and strengthen the position of technology-focused institutions within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
However, the amendment should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that every federal polytechnic can immediately begin awarding bachelor’s degrees or that all existing HND holders will automatically be converted to degree holders. Relevant accreditation and implementation requirements will still apply.