The House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has approved the 2024 budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has approved the 2024 budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide, while raising red flags over compliance and staffing issues at the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).
The approvals followed a budget defence session on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, attended by rectors and senior officials of federal polytechnics.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda (APC Lagos), said the panel would deepen collaboration with polytechnic institutions to resolve persistent challenges affecting the sector. He described polytechnics as central to Nigeria’s industrial and technological ambitions, noting their vital role in producing middle-level technical manpower.
Laguda, who represents Surulere I Federal Constituency, stressed that sustained investment in technical education is non-negotiable if Nigeria is to achieve meaningful technological advancement.
“Polytechnics are indispensable to national development. Our quest for technological progress cannot be realised without adequately funded and properly equipped technical institutions,” he said, adding, “We are always partners in progress. Everything we do is to improve and make things work better.”
He also urged the Committee of Federal Rectors to ensure that the few institutions yet to submit their budget documents do so promptly to enable effective legislative oversight.
In a related development, the committee directed the Registrar of the CPN, Mr. Adebayo Adegbiji, to submit all outstanding documents requested by lawmakers within seven days.
Laguda queried the council’s operational framework, particularly its ability to manage eight regional offices with a workforce of just 58 staff members.
He sought clarification on how the council maintains effective coordination and service delivery amid such staffing constraints.
Responding, Adegbiji assured the committee of the council’s capacity and commitment to discharge its statutory responsibilities. He explained that the CPN is empowered to regulate and accredit private organisations operating within Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
The registrar pledged to forward all requested documents within the stipulated timeframe, reaffirming the council’s readiness to cooperate fully with the committee in the interest of accountability and improved performance in the ICT profession.
