The Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to let federal polytechnics award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes. Until now, the law capped them at National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.
Eligible holders of ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications can apply, but only after the institutions secure accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulators.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) moved the motion during plenary. He argued that Sections 2, 8 and 31 of the Act needed fresh scrutiny to bring administrative clarity and a complete legal framework for the institutions. He asked the Senate to recommit the Act to the Committee of the Whole.
Senators adopted the changes by voice vote, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. No senator was reported to have opposed the amendments.
Degree-awarding power: A new Section 2(1)(c) authorises federal polytechnics to award B.Tech. degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes, subject to NUC and regulatory accreditation.
Rectors’ tenure: A governing council will appoint a rector for an initial five years, renewable once for a final four-year term.
Section 31: A minister is now redefined as the officer responsible for education.
For years, HND holders have complained of unequal treatment against university graduates, citing differences in recruitment grades, promotion and eligibility for certain positions. Successive administrations have tried to close the gap, yet the complaints have not gone away.
In March 2018, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation issued a circular allowing HND holders to enter the federal service at Salary Grade Level 08. Progression and conversion to the officer cadre still fall under public service rules and schemes of service. The National Assembly has also raised the disparity in some government agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Not on its own. The impact depends on how the law is implemented and whether polytechnics meet accreditation standards. Employers must also recognise the new degrees, and recruitment policies, promotion guidelines and public service regulations may need to change.
The amendment does not mean every federal polytechnic can start awarding bachelor’s degrees tomorrow. Nor does it automatically convert existing HND holders into degree holders. Accreditation and implementation requirements still apply.
If it works, it opens new academic routes for students and graduates and strengthens technology-focused institutions in the tertiary system.
