Nigerian Senate amends law to allow polytechnics to award bachelor's degrees

The Nigerian Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to permit federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech. Hons.) degrees. This change allows institutions to grant degrees in science, engineering, and technology-related programmes to holders of National Diplomas (ND), Higher National Diplomas (HND), or Postgraduate Diplomas.

The amendment follows a decision by the Senate to rescind its previous position, which restricted polytechnic qualifications to ND and HND levels. To ensure academic standards, the awarding of these bachelor’s degrees remains subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

The motion for the amendment was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who noted that revisions to sections 2, 8, and 31 were necessary to provide administrative clarity and a comprehensive legal framework. The amendment also includes revisions to Section 8 regarding the appointment and tenure of polytechnic rectors.