A bill aimed at amending the Federal Polytechnic Act to enhance polytechnic education in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Lagos lawmaker Fuad Laguda, seeks to expand the role and functions of polytechnics in the country.
Speaking during the plenary session, Laguda emphasized the need for the amendment, stating, “The Principal Act was enacted to establish polytechnics across the country, providing full-time courses in technology, applied sciences, management, and other fields. This bill seeks to further amend the Act to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving world.”
The proposed changes include expanding the membership of polytechnic governing councils to involve representatives from key institutions like the National Board for Technical Education and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
The bill also aims to establish a more result-oriented administrative structure for the polytechnic system.
Laguda further emphasized that the ultimate goal of the bill is to strengthen technical education for Nigerian students. “This bill will enhance technical education by strengthening the polytechnic system,” he added.
After the debate, the bill was adopted and referred to the Committee on Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education for further legislative action.