Nigeria has unveiled the Polytechnic Foundation, a new national initiative designed to transform the country’s technical and vocational education system and position polytechnics as strong drivers of innovation, creativity and applied research. The Minister of State for Education announced the launch in Abuja, describing the foundation as a movement to strengthen polytechnics so they can better power growth in manufacturing, engineering, digital technology, renewable energy, agriculture and transportation. She said polytechnics remain central to supplying the skilled workforce needed for a modern economy and stressed that Nigeria must increase investments in STEMM, TVET and applied research to stay globally competitive.
The minister explained that the foundation will support programme development, improve infrastructure, fund research and prototypes with commercial prospects, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance overall teaching and learning across polytechnic institutions. She highlighted areas where the foundation could make major impact, including expanding industry-oriented training, strengthening private-sector linkages, funding capacity-building for lecturers, boosting female participation in technical fields, and helping students and graduates start businesses.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment also commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the government’s goal of producing a highly skilled workforce and fostering stronger collaboration between industry and polytechnics. The Executive Secretary of NBTE emphasised the urgency of revitalising technical education, warning that industrialisation would remain slow unless polytechnics receive better funding and modern equipment. He explained that the idea for the foundation began in 2021 when modern training equipment offered by a U.S. institution could not be donated directly to a Nigerian government agency, prompting the creation of a non-governmental platform to attract equipment and support.
He added that the minister’s involvement has broadened the foundation’s vision and urged the board of trustees to immediately partner with major industrial players. For MSMEs, this development signals future access to more technically skilled talent, stronger innovation ecosystems and graduates better prepared for modern manufacturing needs, key factors that can help small businesses boost productivity and competitiveness in an evolving economy.
