Budget Defence Adjourned as 10 Polytechnic Rectors Skip House Committee Hearing
The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Other Higher Technical Education convened in Abuja for a crucial 2026 budget defence session. However, the exercise was thrown into disarray due to a shockingly poor turnout of rectors from federal polytechnics across the country .The Committee had invited 14 federal polytechnics to appear and defend their budget proposals. To the disappointment of lawmakers, only four institutions were represented at the National Assembly complex .
Lawmakers Express Strong Displeasure
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, did not hide his frustration. He faulted the absence of 10 rectors, describing the development as “disappointing and unacceptable” .Of the 36 federal polytechnics in Nigeria, only 22 had submitted their budget reports as of the time of the exercise. Laguda called this situation worrisome, stating it reflects a weak institutional compliance with legislative oversight requirements .
Excuses Deemed Inadequate
The four institutions that sent representatives were Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Federal Polytechnic Idah (Kogi State), Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and Federal Polytechnic Bali (Taraba State). Several absent rectors reportedly cited the forthcoming FCT election and the restriction of vehicular movement from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as reasons for their absence. However, the Committee Chairman dismissed these explanations. “We invited 14 polytechnics here today; only four showed up. While some have cited the election… we believe institutions of this magnitude ought to plan better. These are national assignments, and attendance should not be treated lightly,” Laguda stated .
Adjournment and Next Steps
Due to the poor attendance, the Committee had no choice but to adjourn the exercise to a later date. Even the four institutions present will have their appearances rescheduled to allow for a more comprehensive engagement when a fuller house is expected. Despite the setback, the Committee received and adopted the report presented by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, as a working document for further deliberations .
A Call for Accountability
Laguda emphasized that budget defence is critical for ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of public funds. He warned that failure to honour such invitations undermines governance .He stressed that the Committee’s oversight actions are not punitive but aim to strengthen institutions. “The House is not out to witch-hunt anyone. Our responsibility is to strengthen these institutions… Oversight is about improvement, not intimidation,” he said. The Chairman underscored the urgent need for Nigeria’s polytechnic system to reclaim its pride of place as a hub for technical innovation and vocational excellence, warning that the country cannot achieve meaningful industrialization without a properly managed technical education sector. A new date for the adjourned session will be communicated in due course.
