Polytechnics Governing Council Chairmen Recommend Polytechnics Commission
The Polytechnics Governing Council Chairmen has recommend a Commission for polytechnics in Nigeria
In a communique, the Chairmen of Governing Councils (CGC) of Polytechnics held in Calabar, Cross River state on the 9th to 14th February, 2025 emphasized for the needs of conversion of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to a commission that can cater for the progressive needs of Nigerian polytechnics.
Accordingly to Dr. Y. M. Bande, the Secretary of the Chairmen of Federal Polytechnics said, “the Committee observes some key issues that will enhance technical education and skills development for the future growth of the country. The skills development is the future of the world and the Nigerian youths cannot be left behind.”
The Chairmen of the Federal Polytechnics made the following recommendations:
ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLYTECHNICS COMMISSION
The communique explained that the present National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) supervises 787 institutions including Polytechnics (Federal, State and Private), Monotechnic, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Institutions (VEIs), Innovative Entrepreneurial Institutions (IEIs), and Technical Colleges across the country. Other Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria have Commissions except the Polytechnics. The need for the establishment of the commission cannot be over emphasized, being skill-based education.
HND /BSc DICHOTOMY
Upgrade the HND to B.Tech (Hons) with entry requirements of O’ level, National Diploma (ND) and Industrial Training certificate (IT).
THE OUTSOURCED STAFF (CLEANING AND SECURITY SERVICE)
the outsourced staff in the polytechnics should be taken over by federal government as applicable in other tertiary institutions.
POWER SUPPLY FOR THE POLYTECHNICS
Direct Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to power the polytechnics by solar electrification.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FUND
Creation of Skill Development Fund targeted at empowering skills training.
SECURING THE POLYTECHNICS
Secure the Polytechnics by fencing to stop encroachment on Polytechnics’ land and ensure the security of lives and properties.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW POLYTECHNICS
Adequate feasibility studies and planning should be carried out before the establishment and location of new Polytechnics to forestall loss of Government resources.
CURRICULAR REVIEW
We emphasize the need for special funding to upgrade and review outdated curricular for the Polytechnic education, ensuring relevance and alignment to current technological realities.
TETFUND INTERVENTION 2025
Government restriction to Polytechnics with less than 1000 students for 2025 TETFund interventions will deter the progress of the new Polytechnics.
SPECIAL 100 BILLION NAIRA AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY INTERVENTION
Polytechnic with Agric technology and related courses with sufficient farmland for Agricultural production to qualify for participation.
The Committee conveys its appreciation to the Government and People of Cross River State, the Host Polytechnic, Ugep, for the very warm reception and hospitality accorded it during the retreat.
Meanwhile, the Chairmen appreciated the opportunity given to them by the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmad Tinubu and Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education to oversee the Federal Polytechnics of Nigeria
