NBTE pushes for polytechnic status, seeks Reps support

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has advocated for its transformation into the National Polytechnic Commission to enhance technical education in the country.

During a meeting with the House Committee on Polytechnics, led by Chairman Fuad Laguda, NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve this upgrade. The committee visited the board’s headquarters in Kaduna for an oversight review on Wednesday.

“We are pleased to welcome this committee to the NBTE and look forward to strengthening our partnership to advance this sector. The push to elevate the NBTE to a National Polytechnic Commission has begun, and your support is crucial for making this a reality,” Bugaje stated.

Founded under Decree No. 8 in 1977 and amended in 1985 and 1992, the NBTE oversees and accredits more than 700 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the nation. Bugaje highlighted the essential role of TVET in filling skill gaps, especially in infrastructure development.

“No economy can thrive without robust infrastructure. We are engaged in significant projects like the AKK Gas Pipeline, Trans-Saharan Natural Gas Pipeline, and the Dangote Refinery, among others,” he noted. However, he expressed concern that these initiatives are often carried out with skilled labor imported from Asia, leaving many Nigerian youths unemployed.

“Every polytechnic has a Skills Development Centre, established with the help of TETFund. We must leverage these facilities to equip our youth with necessary skills,” he urged.

Bugaje also pointed out several challenges facing TVET institutions, including insufficient funding, outdated curricula, a lack of modern equipment, and the stigma surrounding TVET graduates. “The 2024 budget has seen significant cuts at the National Assembly, which is detrimental to our ability to update ND/HND curricula within the necessary five-year period,” he added.

He raised concerns regarding the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2013 and implemented in 2017. Bugaje warned that this framework, designed to connect educational institutions with the workforce, is threatened by the ITF Amendment Act 2024. “We must safeguard this framework to align Nigeria’s skill development with international standards,” he stressed.

On the issue of NBTE’s land dispute in Abuja, Bugaje recounted the history of the matter, stating, “In 2003, land was allocated to the NBTE in Maitama, but two-thirds of it was seized by DB Mangal, who constructed ‘Murjanatu House’ for commercial purposes.” This ongoing issue is currently under review by the Appeal Court. “We urge the Tinubu Administration to investigate this and other critical corruption cases we have inherited,” he added.

In response, the Chairman of the House Committee assured support for the NBTE. “We will collaborate closely with the NBTE to address the challenges faced by TVET institutions and ensure that Nigeria’s skill development meets global benchmarks.”

The meeting was attended by various stakeholders in the education sector, including members of the House Committee on Polytechnics and officials from the NBTE.