In a transformative move, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has declared that all polytechnic students must now undergo Mandatory Skills Qualifications (MSQ) before graduation, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s technical education landscape.
A Paradigm Shift in Polytechnic Education
Professor Idris Bugaje, the NBTE Executive Secretary, announced this groundbreaking development while discussing the 2024 Scheme of Service at a recent press conference. He stated, “Every Polytechnic student from this year has to do a Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) before graduation. This is a major paradigm shift in polytechnic education in Nigeria, ensuring we produce diploma holders with practical skills.”
Bugaje emphasized the importance of this new requirement, highlighting the necessity for educators to embody the skills they teach. “You cannot give what you don’t have. That’s why the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) was introduced to enhance the promotion of lecturers who will drive the MSQ. This requirement will make Polytechnic lecturers unique, possessing both academic knowledge and hands-on skills,” he said.
Revolutionary 2024 Scheme of Service
The newly approved Schemes of Service for the Polytechnic sector have been circulated, with amendments proposed to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade Yemi-Esan. The 2024 schemes are hailed as revolutionary, particularly for their recognition of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders as Graduate Assistants in polytechnics, akin to their university counterparts.
“It also mandates that Principal/Chief Lecturers hold Doctorate degrees. This is non-negotiable. While we advocate for parity between Universities and Polytechnics, we cannot allow the highest academic positions in Polytechnics to be held by those with only a master’s degree,” Bugaje noted, adding that the days of academics avoiding doctorate degrees by seeking refuge in polytechnics are over.
Addressing Key Amendments
Despite the advancements, Bugaje acknowledged areas needing further amendment, such as the existing dichotomy against HND holders in other cadres, the omission of certain cadres, and the extension of the waiting period for promotions beyond three years. These concerns, raised by the Committee of Rectors of Federal Polytechnics, Polytechnic staff unions, and the National Association of Polytechnic Students, have been forwarded to the Head of Service.
Clarifying Misconceptions
Addressing misconceptions from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Bugaje clarified that the NSQ certificate is not an informal qualification. “NSQ is already approved and recognized in the National Schemes of Service,” he affirmed.
Federal vs. State Polytechnics
Bugaje also pointed out the distinct governance of Federal Polytechnics, stressing that the NBTE cannot impose the new Scheme of Service on state polytechnics. “As education is on the concurrent list in the Constitution, NBTE cannot impose the new Scheme of Service on any state polytechnic. Therefore, ASUP should focus on state polytechnics, as the new Scheme is not for them. All our accreditations in state polytechnics will henceforth be strictly on academic programs to ensure standards are maintained,” he stated.
Commendations and Presidential Appeal
In conclusion, Bugaje commended various polytechnic unions for their mature handling of the matter and assured that their constructive criticisms would be addressed. He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend Dr. Yemi-Esan’s tenure as the Head of Service to ensure the completion of her progressive initiatives for the Polytechnic sector.
“We have never had a Head of Service who understands and values skills like the current one,” Bugaje emphasized.
This mandatory skills qualification requirement marks a new era for polytechnic education in Nigeria, ensuring that graduates are not only academically qualified but also equipped with the practical skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
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