In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s polytechnic education system, holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) will now be eligible for employment as lecturers. This was announced by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, during the presentation of the new schemes of service to polytechnic stakeholders.
Prof. Bugaje explained that the new schemes, which have been approved by the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, became operational on June 7, 2024. This marks the end of the instructor cadre, which previously segregated HND holders, and introduces a unified approach to staff recruitment and promotion across federal, state, and private polytechnics in Nigeria.
“From June 7, 2024, all previous versions of the schemes of service cease to be legal tender. We are now united in operating the new schemes of service in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS),” Prof. Bugaje stated. He highlighted the decade-long struggle and collaborative efforts by various stakeholders, including staff unions, polytechnic rectors, and the Federal Ministry of Education, in achieving this milestone.
Prof. Bugaje emphasized that HND holders with good grades can now be appointed as academic staff, akin to their degree-holding counterparts, thus recognizing the contributions of Nigerian polytechnic graduates. Additionally, the technologist cadre has subsumed the technician cadre, allowing ND holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists. The Pharmacy Technology cadre has also been retained, ensuring a place for HND holders in public service despite restrictions from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Addressing concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and other unions, Prof. Bugaje noted that the terminal level for the Registry Cadre is now Deputy Registrar, and the requirement for NSQ Level 3 for Senior Lecturers and above aims to institutionalize skills training. A three-year moratorium has been provided for current lecturers to acquire the necessary qualifications.
The implementation of these new schemes is expected to significantly impact the recruitment and promotion processes within Nigerian polytechnics, enhancing the quality and recognition of polytechnic education. Prof. Bugaje expressed gratitude to Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan for her pivotal role in bringing about these reforms, which he described as “marvelous achievements” for the polytechnic sector.