Holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) will now be eligible for employment as lecturers in Nigerian Polytechnics, according to Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This update comes as part of the newly approved schemes of service for polytechnics.
Prof. Bugaje made this announcement on Wednesday during the formal presentation of the new schemes to Polytechnic stakeholders. These schemes were approved by the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
Under the new schemes, the Instructor cadre, which previously segregated HND holders, has been abolished. The new Schemes of Service, operational from June 7, 2024, present a unified approach to the recruitment and promotion of staff across all Nigerian Polytechnics, including Federal, State, and private institutions.
“From June 7, 2024, all previous versions of the Schemes of Service will cease to be valid. We are now unified under the new Schemes of Service in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS),” Prof. Bugaje stated.
“This milestone has taken over a decade of struggle and efforts by our staff unions, Rectors of Polytechnics through their COHEADS/COFER bodies, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE. I commend all contributors and hope we operationalize the new Schemes of Service responsibly.”
Prof. Bugaje also highlighted his achievements since taking office in April 2021, focusing on skills development, reviving the spirit of work within the NBTE, and creating a new Scheme of Service that recognizes the products of the Nigerian Polytechnic System.
He acknowledged that while the Schemes of Service might not be perfect and may require future reviews, they introduce significant innovations. Notably, HND holders with good grades can now be appointed as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants) similar to their degree counterparts. Additionally, the Technician cadre has been integrated into the Technologist cadre, allowing ND holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists.
The Pharmacy Technology cadre has been maintained, ensuring space in public service for HND holders in Pharmacy Technology, even if they cannot work in hospitals by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Addressing concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) regarding the terminal level for the Registry Cadre, Prof. Bugaje clarified that the salary for the Registrar Cadre is CONTEDISS, not CONPCASS (academic staff). He also noted that skipping has been abolished, a matter open for discussion with the Head of Service.
To institutionalize skills training, NSQ Level 3 will be required for Senior Lecturers and above. Current lecturers will have a three-year period to acquire the NSQ or its equivalent and may be offered Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if necessary.
These new schemes aim to standardize recruitment and promotion across Nigerian Polytechnics and will be used as accreditation criteria for institutions. Prof. Bugaje praised the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, for her pivotal role in these developments, as well as the support from the Ministers of Education and the Permanent Secretary. He also acknowledged the solidarity and steadfastness of the staff unions.
“We are most grateful for the tireless efforts that culminated in today’s celebration,” Prof. Bugaje concluded.
