The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has set a new qualifying exam as a condition for polytechnic graduation.
Idris Bugaje, the board’s executive secretary, says polytechnic students must now undergo a “mandatory skills qualification” (MSQ) to graduate.
The NBTE boss, who spoke at the board’s head office on Monday in Kaduna, said the policy takes effect from 2024.
Earlier, the NBTE approved a new scheme of service for the polytechnic sector.
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The scheme was circulated and proposals for amendments of grey areas were submitted to Folasade Yemi-Esan, the head of service of the federation (HoSF).
Bugaje said principal/chief lecturers must have doctorate degrees under this scheme.
He said the MSQ policy is a major paradigm shift in polytechnic education to ensure Nigeria produces diploma holders with real skills.
Bugaje noted that while polytechnics demand parity between universities, master’s degrees cannot be the highest academic qualification in the polytechnics.
The NBTE boss said the new system will eliminate “indolent” academics who, in the past, had been hiding in polytechnics to avoid doctorate degrees.
“You cannot give what you don’t have. That is why the NSQ was introduced to promote lecturers who should drive the programme,” he said.
“This requirement will additionally make Polytechnic lecturers unique, having both academics and hands-on skills.
“The 2024 scheme is a revolutionary document with its recognition of HND holders for the first time, as Graduate Assistants like their university counterparts in our polytechnics.”