The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has urged lawmakers to support its upgrade to a National Polytechnic Commission to better oversee polytechnic education in Nigeria. This appeal was made during a presentation to the House Committee on Polytechnics, led by Chairman Fuad Laguda, who was on an oversight visit to the board in Kaduna on Wednesday.
NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the House Committee to achieve this goal. “The effort to transform NBTE into the National Polytechnic Commission has begun, and your support is vital in making this dream a reality,” Bugaje stated.
Established by Decree No. 8 in 1977 and amended in 1985 and 1992, NBTE regulates over 700 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Nigeria. Bugaje highlighted TVET’s importance in closing the nation’s skill gaps, particularly in infrastructure development, referencing major projects like the AKK Gas Pipeline and Dangote Refinery, which rely heavily on imported skilled labor from Asia while Nigerian youths face unemployment.
Bugaje also outlined several challenges confronting TVET institutions, including inadequate funding, outdated curricula, lack of modern equipment, and the stigmatization of TVET graduates. He expressed concern about the 2024 budget cuts that have affected polytechnic programs, calling for better funding to review and update curricula.
He also raised issues surrounding the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which bridges workplace demands and educational training, noting it is under threat due to the ITF Amendment Act of 2024. Bugaje stressed the need to protect the NSQF to keep Nigeria’s skill development aligned with international standards.
In addition, Bugaje highlighted a longstanding land dispute in Abuja, where NBTE land was seized and commercial buildings were erected. He called for the Tinubu administration to investigate this and other corruption issues.
Responding to Bugaje, House Committee Chairman Fuad Laguda pledged the committee’s support in addressing the challenges facing TVET institutions and ensuring Nigeria’s skills development meets global standards.
The presentation was attended by lawmakers, NBTE officials, and stakeholders in the education sector.
