The Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to allow federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes, subject to accreditation by the relevant regulatory authorities.
The amendment, adopted during plenary on Thursday, October 15, reverses an earlier position that restricted federal polytechnics to awarding National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
The revised provision introduces a new subsection, Section 2(1)(c), authorising the institutions to award the degrees to holders of ND, HND or postgraduate diploma qualifications, provided the programmes receive accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
The decision followed a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, for the Senate to reconsider provisions of the Act after identifying sections requiring further scrutiny.
Bamidele said Sections 2, 8 and 31 needed amendments to provide administrative clarity and establish a more comprehensive legal framework for federal polytechnics.
The Senate subsequently recommitted the Act to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. The amended provisions were put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with no senator reportedly opposing the changes during the consideration.
Beyond the expanded degree-awarding powers, the amendment revises provisions governing the appointment and tenure of polytechnic rectors.
Under the revised Section 8, a polytechnic’s governing council would appoint a rector for an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final term of four years.
Section 31 is also amended to define a minister as the officer responsible for education.
The move comes amid longstanding concerns over differences in how HND and university degree holders are treated in some employment and promotion systems. Polytechnic graduates have previously raised concerns about recruitment grades, career progression and eligibility for certain positions.
However, the amendment does not, by itself establish that all HND and BSc holders will receive equal treatment from employers. Its practical effect will depend on the accreditation of the new programmes and how employers and relevant public service rules recognise the resulting qualifications.
The Senate’s approval marks a legislative step towards expanding the academic qualifications federal polytechnics can award, particularly in technical and technology-related fields.
