FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO MODERNISE POLYTECHNIC LABORATORIES
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Federal Government has inaugurated a ministerial committee to oversee the modernisation of polytechnic laboratories and strengthen skills development in Nigeria. Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa said the initiative aims to replace obsolete equipment with industrial-grade engineering tools and enhance hands-on technical training across 37 federal and state polytechnics under the second phase of the Skills-G intervention.
Supported by TETFund, the programme will equip institutions in areas such as mechatronics, robotics, renewable energy, telecommunications, electronics, and automobile engineering. The reform also seeks to provide dual certification, combining ND/HND qualifications with nationally recognized skills certificates.
The committee, chaired by NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, will monitor ongoing interventions, recommend polytechnics for the 2026 phase, and ensure accountability in fund usage. TETFund reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative and collaborating to improve technical and engineering education in the country.