Kaduna – The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has formally requested an upgrade to the National Polytechnic Commission to enhance technical education in Nigeria. This appeal was made by NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, during a presentation to the House Committee on Polytechnics, chaired by Fuad Laguda, on Wednesday.
Welcoming the committee during their oversight visit, Bugaje emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the goal of upgrading the board. “The struggle to upgrade NBTE to the National Polytechnic Commission has started, and your support is indispensable in realizing this dream,” he stated.
Established in 1977, the NBTE supervises and accredits over 700 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. Bugaje highlighted the crucial role of TVET in bridging skill gaps, particularly in infrastructure development, citing significant projects like the AKK Gas Pipeline and Dangote Refinery that are currently relying on imported skilled labor.
“No economy can grow without infrastructure,” Bugaje noted, urging the need to utilize existing Skills Development Centres at polytechnics to train Nigerian youths.
The NBTE chief also addressed various challenges facing TVET institutions, including inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and the stigmatization of TVET graduates. He expressed concern over the 2024 budget, which he described as the worst for the sector, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to review curricula within a five-year timeframe.
Bugaje also raised alarms about the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which is crucial for aligning Nigeria’s skill development with global standards. He warned that the NSQF is threatened by the ITF Amendment Act 2024 and stressed the need for protection to ensure its effectiveness.
On a related note, Bugaje recounted a longstanding land dispute in Abuja, where a portion of NBTE’s allocated land was seized by a private entity. The case is currently before the Appeal Court, and Bugaje called for the Tinubu Administration’s investigation into this and other corruption issues affecting the board.
In response, Chairman Fuad Laguda assured the NBTE of the committee’s support in addressing the challenges faced by TVET institutions and enhancing skill development in Nigeria. The meeting was attended by committee members, NBTE officials, and education stakeholders, all committed to improving the country’s technical education landscape.