ABUJA — The Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to allow federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. Under a new section, polytechnics will be able to award B.Tech (Hons) degrees in science, engineering and technology to holders of the National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma, subject to accreditation by the NUC and other regulators. The amendment was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and passed by voice vote. The Senate also amended the Act so that rectors serve an initial five-year term with the possibility of one further four-year term.