Lawmakers Take Steps to Resolve HND and Degree Disparities and Other Issues.

Independent Candidate: Legislative Focus on Polytechnics’ Challenges During discussions about the long-standing inequalities between Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications and job opportunities, members of the House of Representatives stressed the urgent need for reform. Continue Reading>>>

Hon. Fuad Laguda, who chairs the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, made this statement at a budget performance meeting with the Rectors of Federal Polytechnic Shendam and Federal Polytechnic Wannune.Hon. Laguda revealed that several proposed bills have been drafted to tackle the issues facing polytechnics in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing these institutions and ensuring they provide the necessary technical skills for the country’s development.The primary purpose of the meeting was to evaluate budget performance and identify the challenges faced by these institutions, as well as to determine how best to support their operations and fulfill their intended roles.He stated, “As we approach the 2025 budget year, it’s crucial to assess the performance of previous years to understand the level of work needed going forward and to address the individual challenges faced by your institutions.

”Dr. Mikaila Zakari Yau, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyam-Shendam, expressed that the institution is still struggling since its establishment in 2021, operating initially from a primary school building due to a lack of a temporary site.Dr. Yau explained, “We were given a site that resembles a bush, donated by the state government, just to get started.”He shared that they received a N2 billion take-off grant from TetFund, a portion of which was used to purchase a water tanker and renovate the existing primary school to facilitate the institution’s launch.

However, he noted that there was no initial take-off grant from the Federal Ministry of Education, although they have received steady budgets that have allowed them to execute necessary capital projects for the institution.The Committee members expressed concern over the low enrollment, noting that the school has only 27 students after three years despite having 245 academic and non-academic staff.One Committee member remarked, “You mentioned a take-off grant of N2 billion.

What about the other funding? We need to understand how that money was spent and who benefited. With just 27 students over three years, what has been happening?”Another member emphasized the alarming nature of such low enrollment and pointed out the unsuitable learning environment mentioned by Dr. Yau.In a separate presentation, Dr. Tyover Ashinya, the Rector of Fedpoly Wannune in Benue State, apologized for prior remarks regarding the Committee’s planned visit to the school, which were found to be uncomplimentary.Continue Reading>>>

He noted that his institution also began operations in 2021 as one of the last six polytechnics established during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.Dr. Ashinya explained that the take-off grant was used effectively to construct administrative and academic blocks, classrooms, and offices, which provided a strong foundation for the institution. He proudly stated that they currently have nearly 1,000 students, focusing on attracting local enrollment.In his closing remarks, Hon. Laguda urged representatives of the institutions to submit their position papers within five working days.

He said, “If your report on student numbers is inaccurate, it would be best to acknowledge it. Let’s avoid further complications and save face. If you admit that your report isn’t correct, we will allow you to resubmit a more accurate and comprehensive report, along with necessary documentation.”