Federal Government Unveils Major 2026 Reforms to Transform Polytechnics into Innovation Hubs
Federal Government Unveils Major 2026 Reforms to Transform Polytechnics into Innovation Hubs
UmarFarouk123 
The Federal Government has announced a far-reaching reform agenda to reposition Nigeria’s polytechnics as centres of innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, made this known on Tuesday while declaring open a high-level retreat of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS) at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Auditorium, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the retreat brought together Governing Council Chairmen, Commissioners of Education, Rectors, Registrars, and Bursars from polytechnics and colleges of technology across the country.
Dr. Alausa described polytechnics as vital engines of productivity, innovation, and economic resilience, stressing that the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a key priority of the Federal Government. He explained that the reforms are designed to produce industry-ready graduates equipped with practical, entrepreneurial, and problem-solving skills.
The minister urged institutions to strengthen collaboration with industry, establish functional entrepreneurship centres and research hubs, and prioritise innovation in areas such as renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions.
He also emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and prudent financial management, noting that these are critical to the successful implementation of the reforms.
Dr. Alausa further disclosed that amendments to the Polytechnic Act are in progress to address the longstanding Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy and to empower polytechnics to award degrees. He added that a special 2026 TETFund intervention has been approved to upgrade engineering and technical facilities in polytechnics nationwide.
According to him, the reforms will enhance the relevance of polytechnic education, improve graduate employability, and position the institutions as key contributors to Nigeria’s industrial and technological development.
