The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a strict directive requiring all academic staff in Polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment—or face reassignment to non-teaching roles.
In a circular dated September 10, 2025, NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje expressed concern over the number of degree and HND holders who have remained in lecturing roles for years without further academic advancement.
The circular stated clearly: “Any academic staff who fails to acquire a Master’s degree after five years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff.”
The measure takes immediate effect and is intended to raise teaching standards across technical education institutions in alignment with global best practices. Prof. Bugaje warned rectors and provosts to ensure strict compliance with the new policy, which allows a five-year moratorium from the date of employment for qualification upgrade.
He assured institutional leaders of the board’s full support in implementing the directive, emphasizing the importance of quality and professionalism in Nigeria’s technical education system.
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