The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) will now be eligible for employment as lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics.
This landmark change is part of the newly unveiled Schemes of Service, which aims to unify and elevate the standards of recruitment and promotion within the polytechnic system across the nation.
Speaking at the formal presentation of the new Schemes of Service to polytechnic stakeholders, NBTE Executive Secretary Prof Idris Mohammed Bugaje highlighted the end of longstanding segregation against HND holders.
The event, held on Wednesday, was marked by the attendance of prominent figures including the Head of Service, Folasade Yemi-Esan, who officially approved the new scheme.
Bugaje emphasised that the new Schemes of Service, operational from June 7, 2024, supersede all previous versions.
This pivotal shift ensures a consistent framework for staff appointments and promotions across federal, state, and private polytechnics in Nigeria.
“From 7th June, 2024, all previous versions of the Schemes of Service cease to become legal tender. We are all united from now onwards to operate the new Schemes of Service in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS),” Bugaje declared.
This reform, which took over a decade of advocacy by various stakeholders, including staff unions and polytechnic rectors, represents a significant milestone in the recognition of polytechnic education. Bugaje’s “3-S Agenda” – focusing on Skills development, Spirit of work, and a new Scheme of Service – has been realized within his three-year tenure, marking a major achievement for the NBTE.
Among the notable changes, HND holders with good grades can now be appointed as Graduate Assistants, aligning their opportunities with those of degree holders. Additionally, the discriminatory Instructor cadre has been abolished, and the Technician cadre has been merged into the Technologist cadre, allowing National Diploma (ND) holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists.
The Pharmacy Technology cadre remains intact, ensuring that HND holders in this field retain their roles in public service despite restrictions from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria regarding hospital work.
The new scheme also addresses concerns from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) about the terminal level for the Registry Cadre, setting it at Deputy Registrar. While there are ongoing discussions about other union concerns, such as the abolition of the “skipping” practice, the new framework is seen as a positive step toward institutionalizing skills training in polytechnics.
Lecturers aspiring to senior positions now need to acquire a minimum of NSQ Level 3, with a three-year grace period provided for current staff. This requirement aims to curb the influx of university academics into polytechnics who may lack practical skills qualifications.
Bugaje praised the collective efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, NBTE, and various polytechnic bodies in achieving this reform. He expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan for her unwavering support and leadership in advancing the polytechnic sector.
“This achievement reflects the steadfastness and solidarity of our staff unions and the unwavering support of our education ministers and permanent secretary. Together, we have paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for polytechnic education in Nigeria,” Bugaje concluded.
