Reps approve Polytechnics’ budget performance, query CPN over staffing
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has approved the 2025 budget performance reports of federal polytechnics nationwide.
The decision followed a budget defence session Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja and attended by rectors and other top officials of the institutions.
However, the committee raised concerns over compliance lapses and staffing structure at the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN).
Chairman of the committee, Fuad Laguda pledged closer collaboration with polytechnics to tackle longstanding challenges confronting the sector, describing polytechnics as vital to Nigeria’s industrial and technological ambitions.
He emphasized their critical role in middle-level manpower development, reiterating the need for sustained investment.
Laguda noted that the country’s technological advancement depends on well-funded and properly equipped technical institutions.
“We are always partners in progress. Everything we do is to improve and make things work better,” he said.
The committee also urged the Committee of Federal Rectors to ensure that institutions yet to submit their budget documents do so promptly to enhance legislative oversight.
The panel mandated the CPN registrar, Mr. Adebayo Adegbiji, to submit all outstanding documents within seven days.
Laguda questioned the council’s operational structure, particularly how it manages eight regional offices with only 58 staff members, seeking clarification on its coordination and service delivery framework.
Responding, Adegbiji assured lawmakers of the council’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, including regulating and accrediting private organisations in the ICT sector, and pledged to furnish all requested documents within the stipulated timeframe.
