Abuja: The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN) has emphasized the importance of technical education for the country’s industrialisation, highlighting that polytechnics are instrumental in meeting labour market needs and offering diverse educational pathways for students. Dr. Benjamin Achiatar, the President of the APPN, shared these insights during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Achiatar urged the Federal Government to focus on enhancing technical and technology education, noting a decline in interest over recent years. He expressed concern over the decreasing number of students applying to polytechnics and monotechnics through JAMB, which he believes is negatively impacting the economy. Achiatar also called on President Bola Tinubu to sponsor legislation to eliminate the current dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and bachelor’s degrees.
Achiatar pointed out that countries like China have successfully maintained their polytechnic systems, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical solutions to support economic development initiatives such as the Made in China 2025 plan. He highlighted that the APPN comprises 56 approved private polytechnics, approximately 50 approved monotechnics, and nearly 100 independent innovation centres, which focus on blending theory with practical training.
Mr. Olusola Alalade, General Secretary of APPN and representative of Igbajo Polytechnic proprietors, also contributed to the discussion by recalling the establishment of polytechnics in the United Kingdom during the 1960s. These institutions were part of efforts to expand higher education and address specific economic and social needs through vocational and technical education. Alalade explained that this approach helped the UK become an industrialised nation by providing essential technical manpower.
He further explained that policy changes in 1992 led to the conversion of polytechnics into universities, aimed at expanding their mandate and granting greater autonomy and flexibility in academic programmes and research agendas. Alalade noted that the distinction between universities and polytechnics has diminished globally, with many institutions now offering a mix of academic and vocational programmes.
Alalade concluded that polytechnics play a crucial role in providing technical and vocational education, promoting entrepreneurship, workforce development, applied research, and innovation, while also enhancing accessibility, affordability, and community engagement.