Reps Slam Poor Rector Turnout at Polytechnic Budget Defence

ABUJA, Nigeria – The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics condemns the poor attendance of rectors at the 2026 budget defence, describing the situation as unacceptable and disruptive to legislative oversight.

Committee chairman Fuad Laguda in a statement on Saturday says only four institutions appear before the panel despite 14 federal polytechnics being formally invited.

“Out of 36 federal polytechnics, only 22 submitted budget reports, and just four honoured our invitation,” Laguda says.

Those present include officials from Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and Federal Polytechnic Bali.

Several absent rectors cite the forthcoming FCT election and movement restrictions, explanations Laguda dismisses as inadequate.

“These are national assignments. Institutions of this magnitude must plan better,” he adds.

The committee adjourns the session and postpones appearances to a later date, warning that failure to comply undermines transparency and accountability.

Despite the setback, lawmakers adopt the report of the National Board for Technical Education as a working document.

Laguda urges polytechnic leaders to refocus on producing industry-ready graduates capable of meeting Nigeria’s technological and industrial needs.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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