Minister Launches Committee to Upgrade Poly Labs
Federal Government Launches Committee to Modernize Polytechnic Laboratories
The Nigerian federal government has taken a significant step towards improving technical and engineering education by inaugurating a ministerial implementation committee. This committee is tasked with overseeing the modernization of laboratories and enhancing skills development in polytechnics across the country.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, officially launched the committee in Abuja on Tuesday. He emphasized that the initiative aims to replace outdated equipment in polytechnics with industrial-grade engineering facilities. The goal is to strengthen hands-on technical training, ensuring that students receive practical and relevant education that aligns with current industry standards.
Alausa explained that the program, supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is part of the second phase of the Skills-G intervention. This phase will cover 37 federal and state polytechnics, marking a shift from previous efforts that focused primarily on infrastructure development. Instead, this initiative will focus on upgrading the laboratory ecosystem within these institutions.
Key Components of the Initiative
The Skills-G intervention will provide essential equipment for various fields, including:
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Renewable energy systems
- Advanced telecommunications
- Electronics
- Automobile engineering
Alausa noted that the first phase of the Skills-G program was implemented between 2011 and 2012. Now, the second phase aims to build on the progress made, ensuring that polytechnic graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the job market.
Dual Certification for Graduates
Another key aspect of the reform is the introduction of dual certification for polytechnic graduates. This means that students will receive both National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) and recognized National Skills Qualification certificates. This dual certification is expected to enhance the employability of graduates and bridge the gap between academic training and industry requirements.
The committee will also be responsible for supervising ongoing skills development interventions in 14 polytechnics. It will recommend institutions for the third phase of the program in 2026 and monitor the upgrade of engineering workshops in selected institutions.
Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
Alausa stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of funds allocated for the intervention. He pointed out that some institutions had previously procured unusable equipment, which ended up being stored rather than used. To prevent such issues, quarterly reports will be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund. Non-compliant institutions may face sanctions.
Role of the Committee
Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), highlighted the committee’s role in reviving delayed Skill-G implementation. As the committee chairman, he emphasized that the group would ensure proper execution of the 2025 skills intervention and screen polytechnics for the 2026 phase.
Bugaje added that the upgrade of engineering workshops will help Nigeria align with global engineering standards under international accords. This alignment is crucial for enhancing the quality of technical education and fostering international collaboration.
Commitment from TETFund
Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to funding the interventions. He clarified that earlier delays were due to ongoing contracts and new local-content requirements. Echono assured stakeholders of continued collaboration to improve technical and engineering education in the country.
