The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to upgrade polytechnics in the country to degree awarding institutions
The bill, which is seeking to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, 2024, is sponsored by the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Faud Laguda.
If the proposed legislation is eventually passed into law, the National Diploma ( ND) will be the terminal qualifications for technical education in the country.
The bill is seeking an amendment of Section 15 of the Principal Act to provide for a new sub-sections 2, 3 and 4.
The proposed 15(2) stipulates that “the Academic Board shall be responsible for the direction and management of academic matters of the polytechnics, including the regulation of admission of students, the award of certificates and diplomas, scholarships, prizes and other academic distinctions.
“Making to the Council periodic reports on such academic matter as the Academic Board may think fit or as the Council may from time to time direct; the award of Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Hons degree for holders of National Diplomas (ND) after accreditation by the National University Commission, and the award shall be based on character, learnings and skills; and the discharge of any other function which the Council may delegate to it.
“The National Diploma (ND) shall be the terminal technical education qualification with progress into Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Hons.”
However, the proposed legislation provides that “National Diploma holders wishing to pursue the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), can further enrol in further skills training at higher National Skill Qualification NSQ levels in the polytechnics.”
Laguda, while leading debate on the proposed legislation, explained that it is aimed at further amending the principal act to meet up with the demand of contemporary times.
According to him, “this bill seeks to review and enlarge the membership of the Council with the inclusion of representatives of technical institutional bodies, like NBTE and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as well as enlarge the scope of functions of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria with clearer and result oriented administrative structure.”
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