Minister Urges TVET Institutions to Focus on Skills, Sustainability and Job Creation

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to build a skilled and self-reliant workforce, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has charged polytechnics to become centres of innovation, ethical leadership and sustainable development

Dr. Alausa made the call in Abuja on Monday at a retreat for governing council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars of polytechnics and colleges of technology.

The retreat was organised by the Council for Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS) with the theme

“Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance, and Sustainability for National Development.”

According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Education has prioritised the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of efforts to produce industry-ready graduates equipped with practical and problem-solving skills.

He urged polytechnic institutions to establish entrepreneurship centers, research hubs, and strong industry partnerships capable of turning innovative ideas into marketable products and viable enterprises.

Alausa said,

“Innovation must be the heartbeat of our polytechnics. I urge you to foster entrepreneurship centers, research hubs, and industry partnerships that can turn ideas into prototypes and inventions into enterprises, producing graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.”

He added that polytechnics should take the lead in critical areas such as renewable energy, agricultural technology, digital manufacturing, and climate-resilient solutions, noting that these sectors are central to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.

On governance, the minister stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, warning that the era of impunity was over and that corruption would no longer be tolerated in the education sector.

Dr. Alausa also noted that sustainability in the polytechnic system requires long-term funding models, improved internally generated revenue, eco-friendly campuses, and infrastructure that encourages local production and reduces dependence on imports.

He assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s continued support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including ongoing reforms aimed at eliminating the HND-Bachelor’s degree dichotomy and strengthening the polytechnic education system.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of COHEADS, Dr. Sani Tunga, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reposition polytechnic education as a pillar of national development.

Tunga said polytechnics play a critical role in producing skilled and entrepreneurial manpower needed for economic diversification but noted that the sector continues to face challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, governance gaps, and weak alignment with industry needs.

He said:

“This retreat provides a unique platform to explore innovative approaches to curriculum development, research, and industry partnerships that respond to 21st-century realities.”

He added that the meeting would also help strengthen good governance practices, promote transparency, and clarify roles within institutions to prevent overlaps and misunderstandings.

Tunga further highlighted recurring conflicts between governing councils, management, and staff unions, which he said often disrupt institutional harmony and slow progress. According to him, the retreat would provide an opportunity for honest dialogue, sharing of best practices, and improved cooperation among all parties.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, said the TVET sector was witnessing renewed progress after years of setbacks.

Bugaje explained that deliberate policy actions and reforms implemented over the past two years had begun to reposition technical and vocational education for national development.

He disclosed that the amendment of the Polytechnic Act had reached an advanced stage, with the bill already passing second reading in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the proposed amendment would empower polytechnics to award National Diplomas and Bachelor of Technology degrees in science, technology, and engineering programmes, while non-science courses would retain the HND structure with clear progression pathways to postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees.

Bugaje also revealed that technical education had been made free in Federal Technical Colleges, alongside the provision of stipends to boost enrollment and student retention.

He added that skills training centres had been established across the country, engaging thousands of trainers to equip youths with relevant skills for self-reliance and employment.

The NBTE boss further disclosed that a ministerial committee had been inaugurated to monitor skills interventions in 37 polytechnics nationwide, including the upgrading of engineering schools to meet global standards.

He urged all stakeholders to support the ongoing reforms with commitment, stressing that polytechnics must remain focused on skills-based education rather than attempting to replicate the university system.