The National President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the full implementation of degree-awarding status for polytechnics across Nigeria.
Abiodun said the alumni body expects the president to end the long-standing Higher National Diploma and Bachelor of Science dichotomy in the country.
He spoke on Sunday during the association’s pre-Annual General Meeting held via Zoom, ahead of the alumni body’s third AGM themed, “From classrooms to circular economy: Advancing human capital development through polytechnic and alumni synergy”, scheduled for February 21 in Asaba, Delta State.
Abiodun said, “We look forward with great expectations to President Tinubu to fully implement the degree-awarding status for polytechnics. When the milestones of degree-awarding status and HND/BSc dichotomy are reached, history will be created and made by our amiable President. He will be remembered for restoring the dignity of technological education and creating a level playing field for all Nigerian graduates.”
He noted the renewed attention of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to the polytechnic sector.
“The news regarding the upgrading of polytechnics in Nigeria to degree-awarding institutions is a profound testament to the recognition of our sector as the bedrock of technological advancement,” he added.
Recently, the Federal Government unveiled plans to grant polytechnics degree-awarding authority, expected to attract deeper industry collaboration, better funding, and increased public trust.
The Minister of Education, Dr Alausa, announced the initiative at a high-level retreat attended by Governing Council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars, describing the reform as historic.
“It will end years of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education landscape,” he said.
He explained that the reform would maintain polytechnics’ practical, industry-oriented focus while enhancing workforce readiness, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises employment generation, industrial expansion, and human capital development.
The alumni president urged members of the association to uphold unity and mentorship within the institution.
“Our primary focus must remain the development of Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and the welfare of our members. We must keep our colourful flag flying high. I urge you to mentor our current students, encouraging them to refrain from actions that could diminish the hard-earned reputation of our great institution,” he said.
He lauded the institution’s management, led by the Rector, and alumni members for enabling landmark achievements in member welfare, infrastructural development, student support, and other corporate social responsibilities.
“To our members, chapters, and friends who have stepped forward with financial support for this upcoming AGM, your generosity is the fuel for our success. Together, we have built a robust and resilient alumni structure that will serve as a solid foundation for future administrations,” he added.
FEDPAAA National Vice President and National Organising Committee Chairman, Moses Bominuru, commended the outgoing president and alumni for shaping the association’s growth. “The successes we have achieved are a testament to your dedication and teamwork. I’ll always be committed to our association’s progress,” he said.
Chairmen of FEDPAAA state chapters, including Major Ken Ukwu (Rivers), Rotimi Ogunleye (Ondo), Oluwatoyin Aluko (Oyo), Abdul-Rafiu Badru (Abuja-FCT), Mr Otega Ohimor (Delta), Adesola Ayoade (Ekiti), and Chuks Onyemulu (Lagos), praised Abiodun for repositioning the alumni body.
Onyemulu said, “Your foresight, hard work, and dedication have lifted our Alumni Association from obscurity to a global stage.”
On his part, Ohimor said Abiodun’s leadership brought credibility, capacity building, and discipline to FEDPAAA.
Ayoade highlighted that collective commitment had strengthened the bridge between past, present, and future generations through mentorship and leadership.
Stakeholders in the polytechnic sector have long advocated for the upgrading of polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions to confer Bachelor of Technology degrees and end the HND/BSc dichotomy.
