The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has rejected plans to change the bill on the establishment of National Commission for Polytechnic Education to Nigeria Commission for Technical Education.

Specifically, the union expressed its support for the bill currently before the National Assembly seeking the establishment of polytechnic commission.

The bill, which is sponsored by Idu Igariwey, is awaiting its final reading and passage at the House of Representatives.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, noted that the bill had received full support from stakeholders during a public hearing in August 2024.

“This effort is coming after several failed legislative efforts in the past on the same subject, adding that the bill also had the backing of the federal ministry of education.

According to him, the establishment of the commission is clearly outlined in the approved roadmap for the education sector covering 2024 to 2027.

The union expressed surprise at the proposal to establish a commission for technical education, describing it as a mere change of name without the desired impact on the regulation of polytechnics in Nigeria.

He described it as self-serving and a distraction that could undermine the efforts of the National Assembly.

Kpanja emphasised that Nigerian polytechnics and monotechnics are institutions under the regulation of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He said the union had been advocating for a separate commission to regulate these institutions.

The ASUP chief noted that the move would ensure improved regulation and align with the practice in other tertiary education sub-sectors.