The Chairpersons of the Governing Councils of federal polytechnics have highlighted significant challenges affecting the institutions, calling on the federal government to improve infrastructure, security, and management practices.
The communique followed their meeting in Calabar from February 9 to 14, 2025. The chairs cited poor roads, unreliable electricity and water supply, and limited internet connectivity as key barriers to the polytechnics fulfilling their mandate to train skilled manpower under the 2019 Polytechnic Act. They recommended prioritising rural polytechnics in federal solar electrification projects and urged the Ministry of Power to provide technical support to step-down power stations serving the institutions.
Security was also flagged, with the chairs advocating for fenced perimeters, CCTV cameras, and adequately deployed security personnel to protect students, staff, property, and land from banditry, vandalism, and encroachment.
Other recommendations included removing discrimination between HND and B.Sc. degrees by converting HND to B.Tech, granting the Governing Councils authority to appoint Rectors, and revising schemes of service to empower polytechnic management. The chairs urged sustained government funding beyond TETFund allocations to modernise facilities and enhance the institutions’ global competitiveness.
Leave feedback about this