The Federal Polytechnic Act, a crucial piece of legislation governing polytechnic education in Nigeria, is undergoing a significant review in the House of Representatives. A bill seeking to amend the Act passed its second reading, marking a substantial step towards modernizing and enhancing the polytechnic system in the country. This amendment, championed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Fuad Laguda, aims to expand the functions of polytechnics, reflecting the evolving landscape of technical education and its growing importance in Nigeria’s development. This initiative acknowledges the need to align polytechnic education with international best practices and the demands of a rapidly changing world.
The proposed amendment builds upon previous legislative efforts to strengthen polytechnic education. The original Federal Polytechnics Act of 2004 established polytechnics across Nigeria to offer full-time courses in technology, applied science, management, and other fields of study. It also provided a framework for their administration. A subsequent amendment in 2019 addressed critical aspects of human resources within the polytechnic system. It increased the retirement age of polytechnic staff, recognizing the value of experienced educators, and harmonized the tenure of rectors and other principal officers, promoting stability and continuity in leadership.
The current amendment seeks to further enhance the polytechnic system by focusing on two key areas: governance and functionality. The bill proposes a revision of the governing council’s composition, expanding its membership to include representatives from relevant technical bodies. This inclusion aims to bring expertise and diverse perspectives to the council’s decision-making process. Specifically, the bill proposes the inclusion of representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the regulatory body for technical education, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), representing the industry that directly benefits from the skills and knowledge imparted by polytechnics. This strategic move aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that polytechnic curricula are aligned with the needs of the Nigerian economy and the global marketplace.
Furthermore, the bill proposes broadening the scope of functions of federal polytechnics. This expansion aims to empower polytechnics to play a more significant role in national development by offering a wider range of programs and services. While the specifics of these expanded functions are yet to be fully detailed, the intent is to equip polytechnics to respond to emerging technological trends and address the evolving skills requirements of the Nigerian workforce. This includes emphasizing research and development, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship among graduates. The amendment also seeks to establish a clearer and more results-oriented administrative structure within polytechnics, enhancing efficiency and accountability in their operations.
The proposed amendments are designed to improve the quality and relevance of polytechnic education in Nigeria. By strengthening governance and expanding the scope of polytechnic functions, the bill aims to create a more robust and responsive system that can effectively contribute to national development. The ultimate goal is to provide Nigerian students with a high-quality technical education that prepares them for successful careers in a competitive global environment. This focus on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge will empower graduates to contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy, drive innovation, and address the country’s developmental challenges.
The bill’s passage through the second reading signifies strong support within the House of Representatives for the proposed reforms. It has been referred to the Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education for further legislative action. This committee will scrutinize the bill in detail, considering its various provisions, and may propose further amendments before presenting it for a third reading and final vote. The successful passage of this bill promises to usher in a new era for polytechnic education in Nigeria, marking a significant step towards building a more skilled and competitive workforce that can drive economic growth and national prosperity.
