Abuja, Feb 7, 2026 (NAN) The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN) has urged the Federal Government to grant tax exemptions and provide critical infrastructure to private technical institutions, to enhance national technological growth.
Dr Benjamin Achiatar, President of the Association stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday, in Abuja.
Achiatar said that solar power, water, and ICT clouds were essential for remote campuses.
He also noted that removal of the degree-diploma dichotomy would empower youths to prioritise practical skills for economic success.
Achiatar said that tax-exempt status would enable private polytechnics to effectively reinvest in their campuses, noting that such facility was common in other parts of the world.
The association president further identified the lack of basic utilities as a major bottleneck for institutions located in remote areas.
“If government can support us either with solar power or with transformers, we can run our workshops and laboratories.
“We are also pleading with government to help us with boreholes to ensure there is water supply,” Achiatar said.
The APPN President emphasised the need for a robust ICT framework to support modern learning.
He urged the government to strengthen the internet “cloud” around polytechnic communities.
“Most of our libraries are now e-libraries. If we have that cloud, it will help and enable us to boost education in the polytechnics.
” It will also strengthen our ability to reach out,” he said.
Addressing the younger generation, Achiatar stated that the removal of the BSC/HND dichotomy served as a green light for youths to embrace practical education without fear of discrimination.
He said that the future of the Nigerian economy depends on skills rather than just theoretical certificates.
“The successful future lies in adopting science and technical education.
“It’s not just reading and writing; it’s the practical work, that is what is going to be most important for them in the future,” he said. (NAN)
