NBTE Cracks Down On Underqualified Lecturers: Poly Staff Without Master’s Faces Downgrade

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has mandated that academic staff in polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions who fail to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment will be reassigned to non-teaching roles.

The directive was issued by NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, in a circular dated September 10, 2025, addressed to all rectors and provosts of TVET institutions. Expressing concern over the number of lecturers with degrees or Higher National Diplomas (HND) who have not advanced their qualifications despite years of service, Bugaje emphasized the need for compliance.

The regulatory body has granted a five-year window from the date of employment for academic staff to secure a Master’s degree. According to the circular, “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 NBTE boss noted that the policy takes immediate effect and called on institutions to strictly adhere to the directive. He explained that the initiative is intended to elevate teaching standards across polytechnics and TVET institutions, aligning them with global best practices. Bugaje further urged rectors and provosts to enforce the policy, assuring them of the board’s support in promoting quality and professionalism in Nigeria’s technical education sector.