The Nigerian Senate has approved an amendment to the Federal Polytechnic Act that would allow federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes, in a move that could reshape technical education and address longstanding concerns over the treatment of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.

The amendment was adopted during Thursday’s plenary session following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District. The move reverses an earlier position that restricted federal polytechnics to awarding National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma qualifications.

Under the amended Section 2(1)(c), federal polytechnics would be empowered to award B.Tech. Hons. degrees in eligible science, engineering and technology programmes to candidates holding an ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Bamidele had called for a review of Sections 2, 8 and 31 of the Act, arguing that the provisions required further consideration to establish a clearer legal and administrative framework for the institutions.

The Senate subsequently considered the proposed changes in the Committee of the Whole, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the proceedings. The amendment was adopted through a voice vote, according to reports of the sitting.

Beyond the proposed expansion of degree-awarding powers, the amendment introduces changes to the appointment and tenure of rectors in federal polytechnics. Under the revised Section 8, a rector would serve an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final term of four years.

Section 31 is also being amended to clarify the definition of the minister responsible for education.

The development comes amid longstanding complaints about the HND-BSc dichotomy, particularly differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities and eligibility for certain positions in public and private sector organisations.

Although HND holders graduate from recognised tertiary institutions, some have historically faced restrictions in employment and career progression compared with university degree holders. The Senate’s decision could expand academic progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, especially those pursuing technical and technology-related careers.

However, the amendment does not automatically guarantee equal treatment for all HND and BSc holders across employers or public service systems. Its practical impact will depend on the final legal provisions, the accreditation of individual programmes and how employers and relevant authorities recognise the new qualifications.

The amendment’s passage by the Senate should also be distinguished from its completion of the lawmaking process. The legislation must undergo the remaining applicable legislative and approval procedures before the new provisions can take effect. The Senate’s approval alone does not establish that the amendment has received presidential assent.

If fully enacted and implemented, the changes could give federal polytechnics a broader role in awarding technical degrees while creating new options for eligible ND and HND graduates. The extent to which the reform resolves the longstanding qualification divide will become clearer as the legal framework, accreditation requirements and implementation arrangements are established.