The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has embarked on a digital innovation initiative aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s education sector through the strategic application of data science.
This transformation, scheduled for full implementation in January 2024, focuses on enhancing the quality assurance processes within the country’s Technical Vocational Education and Training institutions.
According to Fatimah Abubakar, the Head of Media Unit, NBTE, this innovative approach is the result of Executive Secretary Idris Bugaje’s investment in training NBTE staff in web development and artificial intelligence, both locally and internationally.
The executive secretary’s emphasis on managing the web platform is considered crucial for the successful implementation of the digitization process.
Abubakar highlighted the significant contribution of the federal government, facilitated by the National Communication Commission, in providing and installing internet facilities across polytechnics in the six geopolitical zones.
This government support reflects a commitment to digitalizing education.
In 2023, Bugaje took a groundbreaking step by unbundling the HND Computer Science curriculum into four components, including Software and Web Development, Cybersecurity and Data Protection, Artificial Intelligence, and Networking and Cloud Computing.
This move, involving collaboration with key players like Huawei and Cisco networking companies, aims to make Nigerian graduates more enterprising.
The overarching vision of this digitalization initiative is to position technology as a central force in shaping the landscape of technical education in Nigeria.
The NBTE is actively embracing digital tools and platforms to revolutionize various aspects of its operations, ensuring seamless accreditation processes and increased transparency.
Key strategic objectives of the digitalization process include digitizing academic records, automating accreditation processes, and implementing e-learning platforms with a monitored Learning Management System.
These measures are expected to enhance the efficiency of the NBTE and contribute to the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s technical education system.
Bugaje emphasized the necessity of these measures to meet the evolving demands of the modern world, providing students with cutting-edge education and equipping them with the skills essential for success in a digital era.
He highlighted the development of a user-friendly online portal as a crucial component, serving as a centralized hub for students, educators, and administrative staff.
This portal aims to facilitate seamless communication, provide access to academic resources, and efficiently manage educational records.
Expressing optimism, Bugaje stated, “Our commitment to digitalization is rooted in the belief that technology can significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of technical education. By embracing these advancements, we aim to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence.”
