The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NBTE

  • NBTE reiterates zero tolerance for certificate racketeering

    NBTE reiterates zero tolerance for certificate racketeering

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restated its commitment to fight certificate racketeering in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

    The Head of Media unit for NBTE, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, gave the assurance in a statement yesterday in Abuja on behalf of the executive secretary.

    The agency said it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.

    The NBTE was responding to a report by a national newspaper, which alleged mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The report alleged that certain private polytechnics in Nigeria were colluding with blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

    The NBTE said: “The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system is paramount, and any institution found to be involved in such malpractice will face the full weight of regulatory sanctions.

    Read Also: E1 Lagos GP: Winning with sports, First Bank’s legacy

     “In response to the allegations, the Board has initiated preliminary inquiries and has formally reached out to the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will lead to a thorough investigation. We urge members of the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities of any TVET institution to the appropriate authorities.

    “The NBTE remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure that the credibility of Nigeria’s Polytechnic education is not compromised.

    “We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system and wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NBTE to support a transparent restitution of the entire educational and related sectors to institute integrity at all levels and sanctioning of erring institutions, which may include withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.”

  • NBTE reiterates zero tolerance for certificate racketeering

    NBTE reiterates zero tolerance for certificate racketeering

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restated its commitment to fight certificate racketeering in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

    Head of Media unit for NBTE, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja on behalf of the executive secretary, the agency said that it does not condone, support, or tolerate any form of certificate racketeering or academic fraud.

    The NBTE was responding to a report by a national newspaper which alleged mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps.

    The report alleged that certain private polytechnics in Nigeria were colluding with blacklisted universities in the Republic of Benin to fraudulently mobilise graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using fabricated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.

    The NBTE said, “The integrity of Nigeria’s technical education system is paramount, and any institution found to be involved in such malpractice will face the full weight of regulatory sanctions.

    Read Also: Akpabio urges youths not to despair about Nigeria

    “In response to the allegations, the Board has initiated preliminary inquiries and has formally reached out to the NYSC and Punch Newspaper to obtain relevant information that will lead to a thorough investigation. We urge members of the public and stakeholders to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities of any TVET institution to the appropriate authorities.

    “The NBTE remains committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure that the credibility of Nigeria’s Polytechnic education is not compromised.

    “We appreciate the Nigerian press, especially the recent cases of investigative journalism in the country, leading to cleaning up our system and wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NBTE to support a transparent restitution of the entire educational and related sectors to institute integrity at all levels and sanctioning of erring institutions, which may include withdrawal of operational licenses and prosecution.”

  • NBTE to downgrade poly lecturers without Master’s

    NBTE to downgrade poly lecturers without Master’s

    National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has directed that academic staff in polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, without Master’s after five years of employment will be converted to non-teaching workers.

    NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, issued the directive in a circular dated September 10 and addressed to rectors and provosts of TVET institutions.

    Bugaje expressed dismay that many degree and Higher National Diploma holders employed as lecturers had failed to upgrade their qualifications.

    Read Also: NBTE to downgrade poly lecturers without Masters five years after employment

    According to him, the regulatory board has approved a five-year moratorium from the date of employment for academic staff to obtain a Master’s.

    “Any academic staff members who fail to acquire a Master’s after five years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff.” This is to improve teaching standards in polytechnics and other TVET institutions in line with global best practice.

    Bugaje urged rectors and provosts to enforce the directive, assuring them of the board’s support in driving quality and professionalism in the sector.

  • NBTE to downgrade poly lecturers without Masters five years after employment

    NBTE to downgrade poly lecturers without Masters five years after employment

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has directed that academic staff in Polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions who fail to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment will be converted to non-teaching staff.

    Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, issued the directive in a circular dated September 10, 2025, addressed to all rectors and provosts of TVET institutions.

    Bugaje expressed dismay that many degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders employed as lecturers had failed to upgrade their qualifications despite years of service.

    Read Also: NBTE, senior staff hit back at ‘false, malicious’ recruitment scandal report

    According to him, the regulatory board has now approved a five-year moratorium from the date of employment for academic staff to obtain a Master’s degree.

    “Any academic staff who fails to acquire a Master’s degree after five years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff,” the circular stated.

    The NBTE boss said the measure takes immediate effect and warned institutions to ensure strict compliance.

    He stressed that the move was aimed at improving teaching standards in polytechnics and other TVET institutions in line with global best practices.

    Bugaje urged rectors and provosts to enforce the directive, assuring them of the board’s support in driving quality and professionalism in Nigeria’s technical education sector.

  • NBTE unveils renewable energy curricula on national standards

    NBTE unveils renewable energy curricula on national standards

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in partnership with INCLUDE Knowledge Platform has unveiled the Renewable Energy curricula and National Occupational Standards (NOS), marking the peak of several activities and collaborative work that went into developing the curricula. 

    NBTE, in partnership with INCLUDE Knowledge platform, led Technical and Vocational Education and TrainingTVET trainers in renewable energy industry players, professionals, and developmental partners (including GIZ) to participate in intensive curriculum development workshops, where they were meant to revise the already existing Renewable Energy curriculum. 

    These teams were also meant to develop the curricula for Higher National Diploma (HND) Solar Thermal and Solar Photovoltaic Engineering Technology which includes the National Occupational Standards for Solar Installation and Maintenance levels 4 and 5. 

    This involves the implementation of research studies to support the process, culminating in the finalisation of the curricula, which have since been approved for adoption by TVET institutions across the country.

    The representative of INCLUDE’s Anika Altaf stated this during the unveiling of Renewable Energy curricula and National Occupational Standards (NOS) with the theme, “Green Skills and Political Will in Leadership Implementation”, in Abuja, commending the initiative as vital for job creation in Nigeria’s energy transition.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Renewable energy, Honourable Victor Afam Ogene said this work has triggered a rethink of Nigeria’s skills architecture which will lead to socio-economic benefits, it has also aligned with Nigeria’s national strategy,  from enabling local content in the green economy to job creation. 

    Read Also: NBTE, senior staff hit back at ‘false, malicious’ recruitment scandal report

    “Youth employment and workforce development make up an integral part of the House of Representative’s legislative priorities, I am assuring Nigerians of the legislative support on Renewable Energy to promote laws and policies that create green jobs, while building capacity and prioritizing local content to bridge renewable energy skill gaps”.

    Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Managing Director/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency (REA) noted that with the support of the Nigerian government and development partners, a  plethora of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit and ensuring energy access reaches has been designed. 

    Noting a capable renewable energy workforce and private sector investments are needed to drive this transformational energy agenda and position Nigeria as a foremost renewable energy hub. He also spoke on the critical role of the structured knowledge management development system and praised the NBTE for the development of the enhanced renewable energy curricula.

  • NBTE, senior staff hit back at ‘false, malicious’ recruitment scandal report

    NBTE, senior staff hit back at ‘false, malicious’ recruitment scandal report

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and senior officers named in an online publication have dismissed allegations of financial fraud, illegal recruitment, and job racketeering against its Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, as “false, malicious, and a calculated smear campaign.”

    Reacting to the August 14 report by Sahara Reporters, Prof. Bugaje accused the platform of failing to seek his side of the story before publication, relying instead on “tissues of lies” from unnamed sponsors with vested interests.

    Read Also: NBTE replies ASUP, explains rationale for outsourcing polytechnics’ accreditation

    He maintained that all recruitments under his leadership were conducted strictly in line with public service rules, with vacancies identified, waivers secured, and approvals obtained from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. “There has never been any recruitment conducted without due process and extant laws duly followed. The Minister of Education was never bypassed in any exercise,” he said.

  • NBTE approves 60 programmes for Federal Poly Damaturu

    NBTE approves 60 programmes for Federal Poly Damaturu

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved 60 programmes for Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The approval was contained in a letter signed by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes at NBTE, Dr. Fatima Kabir Umar.

    According to a statement signed by Head, Information and Public Relations, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Muhd Nura Nguru, the breakdown showed that 24 new programmes in new and emerging fields at both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels were granted accreditation while 36 existing programmes were re-accredited.

    Read Also: NBTE replies ASUP, explains rationale for outsourcing polytechnics’ accreditation

    Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Ibrahim Bello while commenting on the approval, said it was a demonstration of the team work among management and staff.

    Dr Bello explained that most of the new programmes were specifically mounted to meet societal needs, pointing out that the increased enrolment recorded, the institution is in line to be the Polytechnic of choice in the North East region.

    He commended the management and staff for the success recorded and urged them not to relent until the overall objective for which the Polytechnic was set up is achieved.

  • Fed Poly Oko seeks accreditation for nine programmes from NBTE

    Fed Poly Oko seeks accreditation for nine programmes from NBTE

    The Federal Polytechnic Oko has submitted nine academic programmes for accreditation to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), aiming to expand its certified offerings. 

    The programmes presented for resource inspection and verification include National Diploma (ND) in Marketing and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management and Technology, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) with Biochemistry and Biochemistry/Microbiology options, HND Surveying & Geo-Informatics Technology, HND Mechanical Engineering Technology, HND Horticultural Technology, Geological Technology, and HND Agricultural Technology. 

    During the accreditation exercise, Rector Dr. Chioma Awuzie welcomed 38 NBTE officials and resource persons, expressing optimism that the polytechnic would successfully meet accreditation requirements.

    Read Also: NBTE replies ASUP, explains rationale for outsourcing polytechnics’ accreditation

    Represented by Deputy Rector Academic, Dr. Uche Onyegbu, Awuzie acknowledged the institution’s longstanding partnership with NBTE and revealed plans to submit additional programmes for accreditation in the next quarter. 

    NBTE officials commended the institution’s progress, highlighting its outstanding Hospitality Management facilities and efforts in entrepreneurship. While noting some areas for improvement, they encouraged openness and collaboration from department heads. 

    The accreditation exercise saw the presence of key academic leaders, including principal officers, deans, directors, and department heads.

  • NBTE replies ASUP, explains rationale for outsourcing polytechnics’ accreditation

    NBTE replies ASUP, explains rationale for outsourcing polytechnics’ accreditation

    The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has responded to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) over its criticism of the Board’s decision to outsource the physical accreditation of institutions under its supervision.

    Acknowledging ASUP’s concerns about maintaining educational standards, the NBTE explained that it is currently overwhelmed by the sheer number of institutions it oversees—over 800—while having fewer than 100 Programme Officers to conduct accreditation.

    In a statement on Sunday, the NBTE, led by Professor Idris Bugaje, and signed by its Head of Media Unit, Fatima Abubakar, clarified that the outsourcing initiative only applies to physical accreditation exercises and is a temporary measure.

    The goal, according to the Board, is to help institutions with poor ICT infrastructure upgrade so they can transition to the digital accreditation platform in the future.

    According to the statement, “The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) acknowledges the concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) regarding the proposed outsourcing of quality assurance activities.

    “We appreciate ASUP’s commitment to maintaining high standards in regulating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria.

    “However, it is important to clarify that the proposed framework is aimed at addressing the growing challenge of regulating an increasing number of institutions (over 800 and counting) under NBTE’s jurisdiction with less than 100 program officers (staff of the NBTE).

    “The outsourcing initiative approved by the Hon Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is only for physical accreditation exercises over a period of time to enable those institutions with poor ICT infrastructure to upgrade and come on board the digital platform.

    “This initiative only seeks to enhance efficiency, leverage external expertise, align with global best practices, and ensure timely accreditation and reaccreditation processes.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu positions Lagos as prime investment destination at Alaro City

    “The outsourcing model shall be for Institutions that cannot log into our existing digital platform and is structured to maintain transparency, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold the integrity of the accreditation process.

    “Furthermore, let it be made clear that the digital platform remains the mainstay for accreditation and quality assurance processes in the NBTE and is fully under the control of the Board.

    “The Board remains open to constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including ASUP, to refine implementation strategies that align with the best interests of polytechnic education in Nigeria. It should be noted that just early this week, we had a stakeholders’ dialogue on this new initiative with Rectors and union leaders.

    “We look forward to continued engagement with ASUP, other staff unions, and all key stakeholders to strengthen the regulatory framework of TVET institutions and ensure sustainable quality assurance mechanisms,” the statement read.

  • ASUP kicks over NBTE’s alleged moves to outsource polytechnic accreditation process

    ASUP kicks over NBTE’s alleged moves to outsource polytechnic accreditation process

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has condemned the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) over alleged plan to outsource its quality assurance responsibilities.

    The union described the move as an attempt to commercialise the regulation of polytechnics in the country. 

    In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, expressed the union’s rejection of the policy, which he said undermined the credibility and integrity of the accreditation process for technical and vocational education institutions.

    The policy, which reportedly has the approval of the Minister of Education, seeks to transfer NBTE’s accreditation and quality assurance responsibilities to private vendors. 

    The NBTE cited inadequate personnel as justification for the move, noting that it currently regulates 789 institutions across the country. 

    However, ASUP insisted that outsourcing such a critical function to private firms would create conflicts of interest, compromise standards, and jeopardise the confidentiality of sensitive institutional data.

    Kpanja explained that at the core of NBTE’s mandate is the quality assurance bouquet which comprises principally – accreditation and reaccreditation of programs of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

    “This responsibility is currently the target of this outsourcing policy. This strange policy brings to question the continued relevance of the NBTE as a public institution,” added.

    He warned that the union would work with key stakeholders to resist the move, adding that allowing private consultants, who are profit-driven entities, to handle accreditation would weaken regulatory oversight and increase financial burdens on institutions already struggling with inadequate funding.

    He said: “The key justification of the NBTE in pursuing this policy is the fact that NBTE currently regulating Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine (789) institutions covering the nation’s TVET sector is overwhelmed by the number of institutions in its regulatory portfolio. 

    Read Also: ASUP backs Bill to create separate commission for polytechnics

    “This fact has been severally pointed out by our Union over the years culminating in the demand and current legislative efforts at unbundling the current NBTE and creation of a dedicated Commission to regulate the tertiary division of TVET in the form of a National Commission for Polytechnics and in alignment with the other two tiers of tertiary education in the country.”

    The ASUP President reiterated the union’s demand for the unbundling of the NBTE and the establishment of a dedicated National Commission for Polytechnics, similar to regulatory bodies overseeing universities and colleges of education.

    He recalled that at a recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NBTE on March 4, 2025, participants had rejected the outsourcing proposal and instead advocated for the digitisation of quality assurance processes. 

    The union further demanded that a roll back of the outsourcing/commercialisation policy: a fast tracking of the migration to digital platforms for quality assurance activities with enforceable deadlines for institutions and the provision of adequate technical support and access to appropriate funding intervention platforms to drive the digitisation move.