The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has adopted the 2025 budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide as a working document, pledging closer collaboration with the institutions to address longstanding challenges in the sector.
The decision followed a budget defence session on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, attended by rectors and top officials of federal polytechnics.
Committee Chairman Fuad Laguda described polytechnics as crucial to Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth, noting their role in developing middle-level manpower. He stressed the need for sustained investment, saying the country’s technological advancement cannot be achieved without well-funded and properly equipped technical institutions.
“We are always partners in progress. Everything we do is to improve and make things work better,” Laguda said. He urged rectors to submit outstanding budget documents promptly to facilitate effective legislative oversight.
The committee also directed the Registrar of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Adebayo Adegbiji, to submit all relevant documents within seven days. Laguda questioned the efficiency of coordinating eight regional offices with only 58 staff, calling for urgent clarification. Adegbiji assured lawmakers of the council’s capacity to regulate and accredit private ICT organisations and pledged to provide the requested documents on time.
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Federal polytechnics have long struggled with inadequate funding, obsolete equipment, overstretched facilities, and recurring industrial disputes. Advocates say neglect of technical and vocational education undermines Nigeria’s ability to build a skilled workforce for industrialisation.
Unlike universities, polytechnics are designed to produce graduates with hands-on skills in engineering, technology, applied sciences, and business studies. Many institutions face challenges including insufficient capital releases, delayed personnel funding, and limited access to modern laboratories and workshops.
The adoption of the budget performance reports and the committee’s commitment to partnership are part of broader legislative efforts to reposition the polytechnic subsector and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.