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  • Vanishing polytechnics threaten technical education’s future

    Vanishing polytechnics threaten technical education’s future

    Polytechnic teachers and students have cried out, saying the future of the institutions is at stake following their conversion to universities. The polytechnics are being converted because the enrolment figures are dropping due to the discrimination against their products. Assistant Editor Bola Olajuwon reports on the issues threatening polytechnics’ survival.

    Polytechnics are higher institutions that offer technical and vocational training as part of the country’s education system. They are designed to provide middle and high-level manpower in technology, commerce, management and applied sciences. They train technologists and students in management skills to support the development of the country’s economy and industries. They offer Certificates, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Advanced Professional Diploma courses.

    Most polytechnics are owned by the Federal, state governments and private individuals. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) supervises and regulates polytechnics.

    Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), founded in 1947, is Nigeria’s first higher educational institution and polytechnic. In recent years, polytechnic education has suffered stunted growth. Following this development, the polytechnic education has not made the much expected impact in the country. It is, therefore, not surprising that polytechnics’ graduates are turning to many universities to do conversion programmes to accelerate their career progressions.

    Owing to the odds against polytechnics, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) expressed concerns over the future of technical education in the country with the rate at which many polytechnics and colleges of education are converting to universities. In recent years, many polytechnics had been converted to universities by the Federal and state governments. Also affected by the conversion fever are colleges of education, which the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said will go the same way like polytechnics.

    JAMB enrolment figures

    The argument for the conversion is because the enrolment figures are dropping across polytechnics due to the discrimination against their products. In 2023, nine per cent of applicants who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) chose polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and other enterprise institutions.

    In 2023, 141,976 out of 1,595,773 applicants picked the institutions. In the last five years, only about one per cent of JAMB applicants chose polytechnics. This indicates that many young Nigerians prefer other types of higher education. But, the number of university admission quotas in the country is not enough to meet the demand from school leavers, who want to go to university. JAMB is now offering the Direct Entry option for people who want to go to university after getting their National Certificate in Education or Ordinary National Diploma.

    But stakeholders have argued that polytechnic education is critical to the economic development of a country because it provides technical and vocational training, technology transfer and skills development to enhance socio-economic development. They reasoned that the current conversion of polytechnics will affect the country’s development negatively.

    YABATECH: the new entrant

    The latest to be turned to a university is Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Alausa had announced last Friday during a working visit to the institution that President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of the institution to a university. According to him, YABATECH was a legacy school ready for conversion because it has over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields.

    The minister said: “The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students and management of the college had been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me.

    “All the credit about this should go to the president, who loves education and is concerned about giving the best to the youthwho are our future leaders.”

    The college’s rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, told the minister that the school had the manpower to carry out the responsibilities of a university, seeking the Federal Government’s support.

    He said: “While we are praying that we become a university, we don’t want to become just one of those universities. We want to be a university of technical and vocational education that will bring innovation and also solve societal problems and challenges and contribute greatly to the advancement of our dear country.”

    The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, thanked the minister for the visit and requested his support in meeting their demands.

    Read Also: Tinubu to polytechnics: focus on problem-solving, skills development

    But, YABATECH has produced thousands of highly skilled professionals who are contributing enormously in many industries, including engineering, technology, construction and entrepreneurship.

    Polytechnics now universities

    It will be recalled that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu announced the upgrade of the Lagos State Polytechnic to the Lagos State University of Science and Technology. Also, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun approved upgrading of ‎the state-owned MKO Abiola Polytechnic to a university.

    Some of the converted polytechnics include: Abia State Polytechnic and the Kaduna State Polytechnic. Other polytechnics affected are the Abia State Polytechnic; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal Polytechnic, Ofa and the Kaduna State Polytechnic. Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in 2021, announced the conversion of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, to the Delta State University of Science and Technology.

    Voices against conversion

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) opposed the proposed conversion of the YABATECH into a university. A statement released by NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, in Kaduna on Saturday, emphasised that the conversion would undermine the fundamental goals of polytechnic education. He stressed that converting polytechnics into universities would erode their unique role and shift their focus toward theory-based learning rather than practical and industrial-based training.

    He called for the full implementation of the HND to B.Tech transition.

    Oghayan said: “We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.

    “This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.

    “The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy.”

    The association also proposed the conversion of the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission.

    To the National President of ASUP, Dr. Anderson Ezeibe, the penchant for conversion was a “manifestation of lack of consistency in pursuit of vision by proprietors of public polytechnics in the country”.

    Ezeibe said: “Polytechnics were established to produce professionals in technical/technological and vocational education, which should address national manpower needs in such a direction. This is why the practical component in the curricula for polytechnics is higher as they are expected to produce people with hands-on expertise. This is not the same with universities.

    “The question for those who are on this voyage of conversion, like the Lagos State Government, is whether the need for such manpower has been satisfied. The principal reason for the poorly-thought-out conversion is just because the enrolment figures are dropping across polytechnics due to the discrimination against the polytechnics and their products as well as the rustic and anachronistic policies of the government on degree-awarding status for the polytechnics.”

    He added: “That’s the reason why our union is crying out as the future of the polytechnics is at stake. Our proposal of allowing polytechnics to attain degree-awarding status will resolve all these issues: satisfy the quest for degree-level certification, deepen technical/technological education through curricula enhancement, retain the expanding pool of qualified manpower in the polytechnics, attract funding, and stop the HND/degree dichotomy.

    “We are saying that polytechnics should retain the OND certification as middle-level manpower and use the same as feed for a bachelor of technology certification to be awarded by polytechnics in their names as polytechnics, if requirements to be set out for this are met.”

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities frowned at the establishment of new universities in the face of paucity of funds for the sustainability of the established institutions.

    Calls to strengthen polytechnics

    However, the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, noted that the reason for the upgrade of the institutions to universities was to increase access to university education for citizens.

    Experts have also argued that polytechnics need more funding to support technical and technological education. They also stressed the need for polytechnics to establish clear pathways for graduates to progress in their careers. Also, they said the institutions need policy reform to elevate their status and authority in national planning.

    Aside the call for them to award Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees, stakeholders seek support for them to boost research and infrastructural development.

    Polytechnics Governing Councils seek commission, B. Tech

    In a communique, the Chairmen of Governing Councils (CGC) of Polytechnics held a meeting in Calabar, Cross River State from February 9 to 14, 2025, emphasising the need to convert the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to a commission that can cater for the progressive needs of the polytechnics. The Secretary of the Chairmen of Federal Polytechnics, Dr. Y. M. Bande, said: “The Committee observes some key issues that will enhance technical education and skills development for the future growth of the country. The skills development is the future of the world and the Nigerian youths cannot be left behind.”

    The communique explained that the present National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) supervises 787 institutions, including Polytechnics (Federal, State and Private), Monotechnic, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Institutions (VEIs), Innovative Entrepreneurial Institutions (IEIs), and Technical Colleges across the country.

    It stressed that other tertiary institutions in Nigeria have commissions, except the polytechnics. The need for the establishment of the commission cannot be overemphasised, being skill-based education.

    The body called on Federal Government to upgrade the HND to B.Tech (Hons) with entry requirements of O’ level, National Diploma (ND) and Industrial Training certificate (IT).

  • More polytechnics needed to fight unemployment

    More polytechnics needed to fight unemployment

    Sir: The world is shifting to a skills-based education focused on practical application, while placing less emphasis on paper qualifications and Nigeria should follow suit.

    To reduce unemployment and create jobs for the teeming youth, the government should focus more on entrepreneurship and technical education to equip citizens with skills-based education. This will help Nigerian youths secure jobs during and after school.

    Just recently, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, agreed to the request of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide two certificates to polytechnic graduates. This is a good initiative that will add more value to polytechnics.  Professor Idris M. Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education is doing a good job of changing the old narratives about the Nigerian polytechnic education system. Bugaje is advocating for modernizing polytechnic institutions and reinventing better ways of improving skills in technical and vocational education. With the assistance of the Ministry of Education and the help of the current minister, much can be done to revitalize skills in industries.

    Read Also: Dar Es Salaam declaration and Tinubu’s quest to give Nigerian stable electricity

    Polytechnics are all about hands-on learning. They equip students with the actual, usable skills that employers need. Universities are not skills-oriented institutions and should not be considered as such. Evidence shows that graduates finish universities with degrees that just don’t translate to what the market wants. Polytechnics fill the jobs gap because polytechnic graduates are trained for specific industries and trades.

    Polytechnics are about creating self-employing jobs. The polytechnic institutions encourage innovation and teach students how to start their own businesses during and after the study. Through the polytechnic system, young Nigerians can access quality technical education. The polytechnics build young entrepreneurs with skills that benefit both the nation and the workers.

    Nigeria is bursting with the potentials of its youths. Our young Nigerians are smart, resourceful, and ready to work, and this government should pave the way for this demand. Let this government renew the hope of our polytechnics to curb unemployment and fight poverty for the good of the country.

    • Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

  • Towards a commission for polytechnics

    Towards a commission for polytechnics

    The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education and stakeholders in the polytechnics sector are finally on the same page about the need for a dedicated commission to regulate polytechnic education. Despite being established to produce middle-level manpower for the country, the polytechnics remain the tertiary institutions in the country regulated by a board and not a commission. TONY AKOWE reports on the move to give legal backing to the clamour for a National Polytechnics Commission.

    The struggle for polytechnics commission

    The battle for the establishment of a dedicated commission to regulate polytechnic and monotechnic education in the country dates back to the 1990s when some polytechnic workers, under the auspices of the Polytechnic Lecturers’ Association of Nigeria (POLYCAD), and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), started the struggle for a separate commission to regulate polytechnic education. Their argument then was the differences in focus and philosophy between polytechnics and universities. Incidentally, the polytechnics appeared to be the only arm of the education sector without a dedicated commission.

    While the universities are regulated by the National Universities Commission, the colleges of Education, the primary schools, the secondary schools, nomadic education, adult and none formal education and until recently, the Almajirai and out-of-school children have dedicated commissions regulating their activities. The need for the commission later gained traction with the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and alumni association of polytechnics joining the fray. Arising from pressure, the Federal Government set up a committee in 2010 to review the mandate of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and consider the possibility of the establishment of a separate commission for polytechnics.

    ASUP, however, took the demand for a commission to the next level in 2015 when they embarked on strike, demanding, among others, the establishment of the commission. The strike, which lasted for several weeks, was suspended after the government agreed to address the issues. But it was not until 2017,it eventually announced plans to establish a National Polytechnics Commission, but the process was delayed due to various factors.

    The regulation of polytechnics in the country is currently undertaken by the NBTE alongside other vocational training institutions. While the NBTE says it is currently supervising about 700 institutions, ASUP said the body is currently supervising over 900 of such institutions and, therefore, overburdened. The role of the NBTE, which is currently playing the role expected of the polytechnic commission, also cover all technical and vocational institutions offering both tertiary and sub-tertiary educational services. They include Polytechnics, Colleges of Agriculture, Colleges of Health Sciences and Technology, Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery, Specialised Institutions (Monotechnic), Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs), Vocational Enterprise Institutions (VEIs), and Technical Colleges.

    Apparently flowing from the promise by the government, Fred Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa) introduced a bill to establish the National Polytechnic Regulatory Commission into the 8th Assembly (2015-2019). But just as the government’s action remained a promise, the bill never went beyond first reading. Just as the agitation continued into the 9th Assembly (2019-2023), with stakeholders arguing that a separate commission would address the unique challenges facing polytechnic education in Nigeria, Agbedi again reintroduced the bill, which also did not go beyond the first reading. Also, the same bill introduced by Farah Dagogo into the 9th Assembly also did not go beyond the first reading, thereby stalling the idea.

    Historically, there has been serious opposition to the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission. Some of those who opposed the idea, including some other regulatory bodies in the education sector and academic staff believe that having a separate commission for polytechnic education would lead to duplication of efforts and create unnecessary bureaucracy. Some others expressed concerns that a separate commission for polytechnics would undermine the university system and create a parallel education system. Incidentally, some officials of the Federal Ministry of Education have also argued that the existing NBTE was sufficient to regulate polytechnic education. This is in addition to some bureaucratic resistance and the fear of fragmentation from some stakeholders have expressed concerns that a separate commission for polytechnics would fragment the education system and create divisions between universities and polytechnics. There has also been the lack of political will on the part of the government to achieve this.

    Read Also; Nigerians and their travails

    The need to address NBTE challenges

    President of ASUP, Shammah S. Kpanja, stressed that “the number of these institutions with their diverse mandates already place a huge burden on the regulatory capacity of the NBTE and adversely affecting the effectiveness of the board. The absence of a regulatory body for polytechnics has led to gaps in standardisation, quality control and accountability of the institutions. The NBTE is unarguably stretched in both material and human resources needed to adequately oversee this number of institutions. The Federal Ministry of Education in realisation of the need for a dedicated commission to oversee polytechnics and in agreement with the position of our union included the establishment of this commission in its Ministerial Road Map for 2024 – 2027. This road map has been approved by the President”.

    Other stakeholders believe that to address these challenges, there is a need for a regulatory body that is solely dedicated to overseeing and regulating polytechnics in the country. The establishment of a Commission for Polytechnics would provide a platform for standardisation, quality control and accountability. The commission would be responsible for accreditation, curriculum development, staff training, and the regulation of academic programmes in polytechnics amongst other functions. This would ensure that polytechnics adhere to a set of standardised guidelines and meet the required quality standards, which would enhance their effectiveness and impact on national development and also position them for global competitiveness. The union believes that the proposed commission would play a crucial role in promoting quality education and industry-relevant skills by performing variety of functions such as enhancing the standard of polytechnic education, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and competencies required for employment in various industries, and promoting research and innovation in technical education.

     House, Ministry, others support commission’s establishment

    As part of its plan at enhancing the polytechnic sector, the government has finally committed to the establishment of the commission as contained in the Renewed Hope action plan for education 2024 to 2027. Available information revealed that the initiative aims to enhance the quality of education, promote uniformity and excellence within the polytechnic system, and ensure graduates are well-equipped for the workforce.

    For the first time since the idea was muted, a proper legal framework is set to be put in place. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Polytechnic Commission to Supervise, Regulate and Co-ordinate Polytechnics sponsored by Iduma Igariwey (PDP, Ebonyi) is currently being considered by the House of Representatives. While leading the debate on the bill, Igariwey said the bill seeks to establish the commission for the regulation of tertiary education in polytechnics nationally and is in line with the legislative agenda of the House. He allayed concerns that the commission will bring more cost burden on the government, especially at time when the government is considering streamlining agencies as a way of saving cost. He reminded members that since similar commissions already exist to monitor university education, it is only fair to have one that will regulate polytechnic affairs. He stated that the Bill is completely in response to the yearning of those in the technical education sector.

    Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Sani Gwarzo, spoke of the decision of government to establish the commission, saying it was long overdue as it will take over proper regulations of the sector. Gwarzo, who lauded the House for initiating the bill, said ordinarily, the proposal should have come from the ministry, adding that apart from coming at the right time, the commission when established will bring the polytechnics in conformity with their counterparts in other parts of the world. He said the ministry will support every move aimed at putting in place a standard commission that will ensure standard, assuring that the ministry was ready to offer any assistance needed to ensure quick passage of the bill and establishment of the commission.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said the National Polytechnic Commission will serve as a regulatory body that ensures standards are upheld across polytechnics nationwide. The Speaker said the initiative aims not only to enhance the quality of education, but also to promote uniformity and excellence within the polytechnic system, adding that by doing so, we can ensure that graduates from these institutions are well-prepared to meet industry demands and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

    Abbas said: “We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that we equip our youth with relevant skills and knowledge. The proposed agency and institutions will serve as beacons of excellence — providing qualitative education that meets international standards while also being tailored to meet local needs. In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in national development. It is no longer sufficient for our educational institutions to merely impart theoretical knowledge; we must also equip our youths with practical skills that will enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. The establishment of these institutions is a testament to our resolve to bridge the gap between education and employment.”

    Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Faud Kayode Laguda (APC, Lagos), said that the public hearing was to facilitate the process of passage of the Bills into Law, adding that each of the bills is tailored towards enacting laws that will bring about the much-needed improvement in the socio-economic development of the country, and invariably promoting our quest for sustainable human capital development required for a self-reliant society. He said the objectives of establishing vocational, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition institutions is to train technicians and middle-level personnel that would serve as catalyst for rapid industrialisation and the development of the real sector of the economy.

    Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, also believes that the National Polytechnic Commission was long overdue as other sectors in the ministry have specialised commissions regulating their activities. Bugaje said the polytechnic sector has been left to suffer, while the NBTE saddled with the responsibility of regulating activities of the polytechnic has continued to suffer lack of adequate manpower and resources. He said currently, the NBTE is saddled with the responsibility of regulating over 700 institutions, adding that the establishment of the polytechnic commission will ensure proper regulation of the nation’s polytechnic as well as periodic review of their curriculum. Bugaje wants the assets and liabilities of the NBTE transferred to the proposed commission, while the component of the NBTE dealing with Technical Colleges should be transferred to the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council.

    Chairman of Conference of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria, Prof. Aliyu Mamman, said the absence of the commission has led to lack of a scheme of service for the nation’s polytechnics. Mamman said the absence of a dedicated commission has robbed the sector of a proper scheme of service. He said the recently released scheme of service by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had to be withdrawn because it created more problems in the sector than it set out to address.

    The Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics also believes that the establishment of a commission for polytechnics is a crucial step toward achieving the country’s educational and economic goals. The union stressed that this step would require the government’s commitment and collaboration with stakeholders to overcome potential challenges and ensure the successful passage of this important Bill. The commission, he said, would facilitate research and innovation, leading to the development of new technologies and products that can address societal challenges and enhance the country’s global competitiveness in this area. Kpanja argued that the benefits of a commission for polytechnics are numerous and far-reaching as it would provide students with high-quality education and training, educators with the resources and support needed to deliver quality instruction and industry with a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and development.  According to him, the establishment the commission is of great importance for the country’s educational and economic development as polytechnics play a vital role in producing graduates with industry-relevant skills, conducting research, and fostering innovation in various sectors of the economy.

    Speaking during the second reading of the bill, Igariwey said: “It is expected that the Federal Government will this time accent to the bill if and when it goes through the rigours of the National Assembly. This is because the establishment of the commission features prominently in the approved road map for the nation’s education sector (2024-2027). It is, therefore, expected that the creation of a dedicated commission for polytechnics will not go against the report, but rather strengthen the disposition of the government towards the development of skill-based education in the country.”

  • Fed Govt, NBTE, others back establishment of National Polytechnics Commission

    Fed Govt, NBTE, others back establishment of National Polytechnics Commission

    After several years of hide and seek, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education and stakeholders in the polytechnic sector on Wednesday threw their weight behind the establishment of a National Polytechnics Commission to promote academic standard in the institutions.

    Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Sani Gwarzo, who spoke on behalf of the ministry at a public hearing on a bill to establish the National Polytechnics Commission, said the commission was long overdue as it will take over proper regulations of the sector.

    Gwarzo, who commended the House for initiating the bill, said ordinarily, the proposal should have come from the ministry, adding that apart from coming at the right time, the commission when established will bring the polytechnics in Nigeria in conformity with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

    He said the ministry will support every move aimed at putting in place a standard commission that will ensure standard, assuring that the ministry was ready to offer any assistance needed to ensure quick passage of the bill and establishment of the commission.

    Speaking at the public hearing, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said the commission will serve as a regulatory body that ensures standards are upheld across polytechnics nationwide.

    He said the initiative aims not only to enhance the quality of education but also to promote uniformity and excellence within the polytechnic system, adding that by doing so, “we can ensure that graduates from these institutions are well-prepared to meet industry demands and contribute meaningfully to our economy”.

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    He said the public hearing aligns seamlessly with the legislative agenda aimed at enhancing the educational framework within the country.

    Abbas said: “We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that we equip our youth with relevant skills and knowledge. The proposed agency and institutions will serve as beacons of excellence — providing qualitative education that meets international standards while also being tailored to meet local needs.

    “In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in national development.

    He said further that the creation of the Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute in Lagos State will provide essential training opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and skilled workers alike. Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Faud Kayode Laguna (APC, Lagos), said the public hearing was to facilitate the process of passage of the Bills into Law, adding that each of the Bills is tailored towards enacting laws that will bring about the much-needed improvement in the socio-economic development of the country, and invariably promoting our quest for sustainable human capital development required for a self-reliant society.

  • ‘Uneven conditions of service cause industrial disharmony in polytechnics’

    Registrars of polytechnics and colleges of technology in Nigeria have attributed the current industrial disharmony in the polytechnic sub-sector of the Education sector to “uneven scheme and conditions of service”.

    The Chairman of the Conference of Registrars of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COREG), Alhaji Zanna M. Kashim, stated this yesterday in Offa, Kwara State, at the 75th regular meeting of the conference.

    Kashim noted that most polytechnics in Nigeria operate different schemes and conditions of service.

    He said: “I wish to humbly appeal to once again, to the executive secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to intervene in this regard in the interest of the system.

    “Sometime ago, a team was assembled by NBTE to evolve an acceptable scheme and conditions of service for the polytechnic sub-sector. The team has registrars as members, the unions, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and other important stakeholders within the system.

    “The team, despite the challenges in several forms, worked assiduously for two years and came up with a workable document to serve as the scheme and conditions of service to ease our operations not only as registrars of polytechnics and colleges of technology in Nigeria but to serve as a workable uniform guide that should be applicable to all, irrespective of whether it is Federal, state or private polytechnic.

    “Alas, since submission of the document to the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, nothing has been heard, in spite of several representations by COREG exco and some members.”

  • Polytechnics tasked to spearhead Nigeria’s technological greatness

    From a three-day international conference held recently, experts rose with a strong challenge to Nigeria’s polytechnics to urgently rise up to her technological needs.

    Declaring the conference opened, the Director-General of the National Office for Technological Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Mallam Adamu, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, I.O. Folorunso, commended the polytechnic for maintaining its high rating in offering technology-based education as well as boasting of several unique patents in strategic sectors of the economic but insisted that until the polytechnic has converted its inventions and patents for commercial use, its impact would still be limited.

    He stressed that the priority of the federal government was to reposition polytechnics in the area of science and technology in the hope that through efforts in town and gown collaboration, the polytechnics would soon find viable alternative to the high dependency on foreign technology in the country. Professor Mbarika of the Information and Communication Technology University, Louisiana, USA, while delivering the lead paper challenged Africans to shift attention to the good things the continent could boast of.

    “We must cease to focus on Africa as the content of corruption, debt, dictatorship, terrible diseases, poverty and illiteracy. Yes, we do have these things here and there in Africa. But I have lived in the United States for decades and travelled across all continents. They also have these problems in large dimensions but they focus on their positives. So let us focus on things like our efficacious traditional medicine, natural resources, huge population (markets), agricultural potential and skilled man power,” Mbarika stressed.

  • Polytechnics lecturers accuse FG of intimidation, issue 21-day strike notice

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is threatening to shut down the nation’s Polytechnics if the government allows  the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to continue to intimidate and force its members into the IPPIS payment platform without first securing their emoluments.

    The union is also accusing the government of not keeping faith with the memorandum of settlements signed with the union in 2017, while frustrating the renegotiation of its agreement with government which was supposed to have been concluded in December 2017

    National President of the Union, Usman Dutse said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that after all efforts to make the government implement its memorandum of settlement to no avail, they have no option than to give the, government a 21 day ultimatum beginning from 2nd of October.

    Key issues in the dispute between the government and the union are: The non-implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014; Non release of promotion arrears of members as well as persistent shortfalls in the personnel releases of Federal Polytechnics since 2016; nonpayment of negotiated allowances in polytechnics; nonpayment of salaries and other staff entitlements in many state owned institutions; non release of CONTISS 15 migration arrears; infractions in the appointment process of rectors in polytechnics; non passage of the amendment bill of the Polytechnics Act and  victimization of union officers.

    While saying that the government was trying to force its members into the IPPIS play platform for the payment of salaries of federal workers, Dutse  said “Our union has been on the discussion table with officials of IPPIS as well as NBTE on modalities for a smooth and safe enrolment of members into the IPPIS platform.

    “The last meeting which took place in march 2018 was postponed to enable the renegotiation committee conclude its assignment and provide the needed security in the capture of the totality of members’ emoluments.

    “However, in an apparent display of betrayal, the NBTE which has refused to commit to the successful conclusion of the renegotiation process is employing underhand strategies to force our members into the platform with or without our emoluments secured.

    “We are appalled that the NBTE had kick started this new arm twisting regime by convening a meeting with the IPPIS and the managements of polytechnics without the unions, where they resolved to force our members into the platform.

    “It is on record that the other legs of the tripod in the tertiary division of the nation’s education landscape are not facing such level of intimidation. This has strengthened our position that the future of polytechnics in the country indeed lie outside the regulations of the NBTE.

    “Following these observations, the meeting of the NEC of our union has been left with no other alternative than to return to the trenches to fight for the sector, our members, our students and indeed the Nigerian state.

    “We are therefore using this medium to issue a 21 day ultimatum effective 2nd October, 2018 for the government to address these lingering issues and call the NBTE to order or face an avoidable total and comprehensive shut down of the sector.”

    Dutse said further that “The memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed as a precursor to suspending the industrial action prescribed actionable timelines as well as a monitoring mechanism in the form of a rapid response team led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education.

    “In August, 2017 the committee for the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUP 2010 Agreement was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Education. The committee was saddled with the responsibility of renegotiating the last agreement signed between the government and our union since 2010. This agreement was due for renegotiation by 2015 according to the prescriptions of the agreement and in line with ILO conventions.

    “The renegotiation process was expected to be completed by December, 2017 according to the design of the committee as well as the mandate of the Honorable Minister on the day of the inauguration. Our union made its submission to the committee in October, 2017.”

    He said added that “the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014 remain unimplemented while the government’s excuse of “searching for sources of funding” increasingly becoming watery in the face of reports of recent releases to a sister sector as revitalization fund, amplifying the echoes of discrimination.

    “Shortfalls in personnel releases still persist in some Federal Polytechnics while arrears of same shortfalls are still owed; allowances of our members are still owed in arrears and unpaid in many institutions without any effort at properly situating the responsibility of paying these negotiated allowances.

    “Salaries are still owed in many state owned institutions with some owed up to ten months arrears. Deductions of check off dues, pension, and welfare benefits of members are also unremitted in some state institutions.

    “Arrears of CONTISS 15 MIGRATION are still owed for the lower cadre with the government appearing rudderless on the issue, while the amendment bill of the Polytechnics Act is yet to be signed into law.

    “Our officers are still being victimized with new grounds of tyranny being broken in reports of purported proscriptions of our union in some states. This is well over the time lines specified for each of these items.”

    The union accused the government of not being interested in smooth implementation of the memorandum of settlement, saying “the rapid response team set up for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of the terms of the MoS operates in serial default of its own terms. The team was designed to meet on a monthly basis to assess the performance indices in the MoS.

    “Regrettably, the team has only met three times in nearly one year. This is despite letters written by our union aimed at jerking the team off its lethargy.  As a result, the monitoring mechanism has broken down, painting a picture of hopelessness in the successful implementation of the terms of the MoS.

    “The renegotiation of the union’s agreement with the government has stalled and is yet to commence in actual terms. The committee was designed to complete its assignment on or before December, 2017.

    “The committee had its last (and 3rd ) meeting in April, 2018 and is yet to reconvene despite letters from our union urging the committee to do the needful in view of the strategic importance of the process to industrial harmony across our campuses. We are therefore led be these to doubt the sincerity of the renegotiation process in its entirety.”

  • Polytechnics get NBTE’s nod to run distance, e-learning programmes

    POLYTECHNICS and other technical institutions are to start distance and electronic learning (e-learning) programmes soon, the Governing Board of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has said.

    The NBTE, which is the polytechnics’ regulatory agency, approved the plan at its 81st council meeting in Kaduna.

    The meeting, presided over by the board’s chairman, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, also approved Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) curriculum for Mechatronic Engineering Technology and Cement Engineering.

    According to the NBTE Executive Secretary, Mas’udu Adamu Kazaure,  the meeting deliberated on a number of issues and took decisions towards the development of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

    Kazaure told reporters that besides approving the e-learning policy for technical institutions, the board directed the NBTE management to take up the policy to the National Council on Education for its noting and approval.

    He said: “The board took memos from management to its committees and the committees synthesised the memos and transferred the memos to the governing board for subsequent approval.

    “After extensive deliberation, the board has approved an ND curriculum in Cement Engineering Technology and HND curriculum in Mechatronic Engineering Technology for the subsequent implementation by all TVET institutions across the country.

    “Also, the board looked at the accreditation of programmes in various TVET institutions as per the quality assurance requirements stipulated in the board and approved accreditation of programmes in institutions across the country.

    “The board also, through these memos from its committees, has set up a committee to be charged with the responsibility of ranking of polytechnics in the country. These committees will work and bring out its submission to the board during its subsequent meetings.

    “Thirdly, the board also took a memo on e-learning procedure in the TVET sector and approved the e-learning policy of the board. And it subsequently directed the management to take up this policy to the National Council on Education for noting and approval.”

    Kazaure added: “The board also approved the affirmative action for girl-child education in the TVET sector and encouraged its committee on women in technical education to continue its various activities of encouraging the girl-child into technical and vocational education and training.

    “We also requested all TVET institutions staff to take full advantage of the funding opportunities for research as provided for by the National Research Funding offered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and other funding agencies.

    “And finally, the board commended the progress so far made on the National Skills Qualification Framework and encouraged all stakeholders to give maximum support to this programme.”

    On the distance and e-learning programmes, the NBTE chief said: “The programme would be an open and flexible distance learning programme, which would allow students to learn at home.

    “It is going to be a programme whereby students can take lessons from homes and at the same time in the classroom. We call it a blended learning procedure. There will be computer simulation for the technical programmes.”

     

     

  • ASUP strike shutdown Delta polytechnics

    ASUP strike shutdown Delta polytechnics

    Academic activities at the Delta state polytechnics at Otefe and Ozoro, have been grounded as local unions comply with directive to embark on strike by the national body of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic ( ASUP ).

    ASUP Chairman, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Isoko North local government, Comrade Thomas Ojuye, said his members heeded directives of the National Executive Council of the Union to embark on indefinite strike.

    He disclosed that a communiqué issued at the end of the Chapter Congress, last Monday advised all members to down tools and commended members for complying, even as he vowed that the action would continue until issues raised by the union are addressed.

    Ojuye, who also doubles as the Joint Union Chairman of the State owned polytechnics in Delta state (Ozoro and Otefe-Oghara), said the state owned polytechnics are in full compliance with the National Executives Council directives.

    He listed non-implementation of the NEEDS assessment report, shortfalls in personnel release and withdrawal of allowances, condition of state owned institutions and nonrelease of CONTISS 15 migration arrears as some of the conditions.

    Others include non passage of the amendment bill of the Polytechnics Act, infraction in the appointment of Rectors and continued victimization of union officers.

    Ojuye added that, “the union had vowed to continue the indefinite strike until the Federal Government yield to its demands.”

  • ASUP’s strike grounds polytechnics

    ASUP’s strike grounds polytechnics

    MANY polytechnics nationwide were completely deserted yesterday due to the indefinite strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).

    Some chapters of the union in other polytechnics refused to join the strike.

    The union accused the Federal Government of neglecting polytechnics and keeping silent about its requests since February when it went on strike for about two weeks.

     

    YABATECH complies with

    directive, LASPOTECH differs

    In Lagos State, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) chapter of ASUP complied with the directive of the union’s national leadership.

    When The Nation visited the institution yesterday, there were no classes going on.

    YABATECH ASUP Chairman Mr. Adeyemi Aromolaran said the union would hold its congress tomorrow to discuss more about the strike.

    The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Charles Oni, however, said the indefinite strike only affected full-time students and not those undergoing part time programmes.

    On the contrary, academic activities ran unhindered at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu.

    Its Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Olanrewaju Kuye, said the local ASUP congress had sacked its leaders on November 8, 2017 and so could not join the strike.

     

    Ibadan Poly deserted

    The Polytechnic, Ibadan was completely deserted yesterday due to the strike.

    The situation is compounded by the strike embarked upon by other categories of workers in the institution, which began on Friday November 3.

    Members of staff of the Oyo State-owned tertiary institutions embarked on strike to protest what they described as poor funding of the institution.

    The Oyo State Government had slashed their subventions to 25 per cent early last year, directing them to look inward and increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to plug shortfall in funding.

    The decision was taken at the height of economic recession that hit the country since 2015.

    When The Nation visited the institution yesterday, the entire campus looked deserted.

    A member of ASUP, who spoke with The Nation in confidence explained that the institution was not in session, adding that the campus was deserted, not because of the nationwide ASUP strike but due to the earlier strike action by both academic and non-academic staff of the institution.

     

    Kadpoly ASUP joins strike

    Academic activities were paralysed yesterday in the four campuses of Kaduna Polytechnic, as the local chapter of ASUP joined their colleagues nationwide in the strike.

    The polytechnic ASUP chapter returned from its own local strike about a month ago over issues concerning members’ welfare.

    Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Aliyu Hassan Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, said the strike was to make the Federal Government honour agreements reached with the union in 2014.

    He said: “The Kaduna Polytechnic chapter of ASUP has joined its colleagues nationwide to embark on an indefinite strike action, which commenced yesterday.

    “The union’s demands include implementation of the NEEDS assessment report of polytechnics, amendment of the polytechnic act, which has been pending before the National Assembly for a long time, implementation of CONTISS 15 migration for staff on the lower cadre as well as the payment of its arrears.”

    He called on members of the polytechnic to fully comply with the industrial action until the government accede to their requests.

     

    Offa Poly observes action,

    ‘Kwara Poly not on strike’

    The strike action was a success yesterday at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

    Spokesperson of the institution Yinka Iroye told The Nation on phone that the lecturers acceded to the directive of their umbrella body.

    But that was not the same with the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, as academic activities were ongoing when The Nation visited the main campus of the institution.

    Spokesperson of the institution, Yunus Abdulkadir, said: “Our teachers are not on strike. We are not owing salaries.

    “Most importantly, there is no union on our campus. Everything is calm here.”

     

    Activities paralyse in Kano Poly, Audu Bako College

    Academic activities were grounded to a halt at Kano State Polytechnic and Audu Bako College of Agriculture, following the indefinite strike.

    When The Nation visited the two campuses of the higher institutions, it was observed that students and lecturers had virtually vacated the premises as the entrance gates were locked.

    The ASUP Chairman, Kano Polytechnic Chapter, Dr. Ibrahim Usman Aikawa, said the institution joined the strike in compliance with the directive of ASUP National Executive Council (NEC), “which we are part of”.

    Dr. Aikawa, however, noted that ASUP in Kano State Polytechnic and Audu Bako College of Agriculture have no grievances against Kano State government as all their demands and entitlements were being met by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

     

    Three Delta state-owned polys shun directive

    Academic activities were in full swing at the three Delta State-owned polytechnics yesterday as ASUP members ignored the call by their national body.

    The Nation’s investigation revealed  that students at  three institutions, including the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Isoko North; Delta State Polytechnic ,Otefe, Ethiope West and Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku , Aniocha South, were seen attending lectures.

    Fresh students at the three polytechnics resumed yesterday for the first semester academic session and many were seen completing their registration processes.

    A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity at Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, said the schools were observing the situation and may join the industrial action from next week.

     

    Lecturers avoid Bayelsa

    Polytechnic, others

    The Federal Polytechnic, Ekeowei, Bayelsa State and other affiliate academic institutions yesterday complied with the nationwide strike.

    It was gathered that members of ASUP avoided the campuses and resolved not to resume academic activities pending directives from their national body.

    Other affiliate institutions, which joined are the Bayelsa State College of Art and Science (BYCAS) and the state’s College of Health Technology.

    A lecturer, who identified himself as Abara, said the industrial action was complied with and advised the government to quickly resolved the issues raised by the union.

    When contacted, the Chairman of ASUP, Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Adubazi Onimisi, said if the issues were not resolved, the strike would encroach on the November 24 resumption date.

     

    Students, workers desert

    Rivers Poly campus

    In Rivers State, the strike was total at the state-owned polytechnic, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, in Bori, Khana Local Government Area – formerly Rivers state Polytechnic, Bori.

    Students and staff members, especially lecturers, deserted the campus.

    The institution’s ASUP Chairman, Ferry Barineka Gberegbe, who confirmed the development to The Nation yesterday afternoon, said the school would not compromise the ASUP’s national directive.

    Gberegbe said:  “Apart from the national issues, we at the state government institution also have our own issues with our employer, which ordinarily we can also embark on strike.”

    Asked what the issues were, he said: “Non-implementation of promotion funds in the school from 2015 till date, whereas it is being implemented in Port Harcourt Polytechnic. Again the outstanding five monthly check-off dues of last year (February to June, 2016) have not been remitted to us up till now.

    “Also, the pension contributions of members between February and June, 2016 has equally not been paid. Again the government is withholding the retirement contribution of our members for the colleagues, who retired in February and March, 2016. To us, these are also very serious issues.”

     

    Lecturers cripple

    Federal Poly, Anambra

    The strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), has crippled activities at the Federal Polytechnics Oko, Anambra State.

    But the public relations officer (PRO) of the institution, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, told The Nation yesterday that the school had to join because it was a national issue.

    He said when the institution was notified, it had no option than to join others, even though, according to him, they were aware that industrial action was one of the steps that disorganised school calendar and made academic records unachievable.

    He said: “However, we had no option than to join the strike and that is why the entire place is empty now.”

     

    Auchi Poly heeds directive

    Members of ASUP in Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State yesterday paralysed academic activities in the institution by joining in the nationwide strike.

    Lecture halls and offices were locked when The Nation visited the campus.

    Some graduating students who came for project supervision were seen leaving.

    Chairman of the Auchi Polytechnic Branch of ASUP Mr. Justin Momodu said his members complied with the national directive to proceed on the strike .

     

    Polytechnics in Benue

    State shun strike

    There was no strike in any of the polytechnics in Benue State.

    There is one state government-owned polytechnic called Benue Polytechnic Ugbokolo, located in Okpokwu local government area in Benue south .

    There are numerous private polytechnics in the state. Popular among them are Fidel Polytechnic Gboko, Ashi Polytechnic Anyiin, among others .

    No federal Polytechnic is located in Benue State.