NBTE Introduces New Qualifying Exam Requirement for Polytechnic Graduates

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced a new qualifying exam for polytechnic graduation. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that according to the Board’s Executive Secretary, Idris Bugaje, polytechnic students must now pass a "mandatory skills qualification" (MSQ) to graduate. 

Announcing the policy at the board’s head office in Kaduna, Bugaje said this new requirement will start in 2024. 

Recently, the NBTE also approved a new scheme of service for the polytechnic sector, which was shared, and proposals for amendments were sent to the head of service of the federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, following that under this new scheme, principal/chief lecturers must have doctorate degrees. 

Bugaje explained that the MSQ policy represents a significant shift in Polytechnic education to ensures that diploma holders have practical skills. 

He emphasized that while polytechnics seek equality with Universities, master's degrees should not be the highest academic qualification in Polytechnics. 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija also gathered that the new system aims to phase out academics who previously avoided earning doctorate degrees by working in polytechnics.

"You cannot offer what you do not possess. This is why the NSQ was established to promote lecturers who are meant to lead the program," he stated. 

"This requirement will also make Polytechnic lecturers stand out, as they will possess both academic and practical skills. The 2024 scheme is groundbreaking, recognizing HND holders for the first time as Graduate Assistants, similar to their University counterparts in our Polytechnics," Bugaje finalised.