Katsina Times
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has directed that academic staff in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions who fail to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment be converted to non-teaching roles.
The directive, announced by NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, takes immediate effect.
According to the Board, the decision followed concerns that many academic staff with only a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) have not advanced their qualifications despite years of service.
To address the situation, the NBTE approved a five-year window from the date of employment for such staff to acquire a Master’s degree. Those who fail to comply will be reclassified as non-teaching staff.
Prof. Bugaje stressed the need for continuous academic development and urged rectors and provosts of all TVET institutions to enforce the policy. He said the move is expected to raise the standard of teaching and strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.
