The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a new directive mandating the conversion of all Polytechnic staff with only a first degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), but without a Master’s degree, from academic to non-academic positions after five years of employment.
According to the circular released by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Prof Idris M. Bugaje dated 10th September 2025 and obtained by Trill Times News, the measure is designed to enhance quality assurance in Nigeria’s polytechnic system and ensure that lecturers meet the minimum academic qualifications required for teaching in tertiary technical institutions.
NBTE emphasized that academic staff are expected to possess at least a Master’s degree in relevant fields as part of the benchmark minimum academic standards. Holders of only a Bachelor’s degree or HND who fail to obtain a postgraduate qualification within five years of their initial appointment will henceforth be re-designated to non-teaching roles within the system.
“This directive is part of our ongoing reforms to reposition polytechnic education in line with global best practices,” the Board stated. “It is imperative that academic staff have the requisite qualifications to effectively deliver on the mandate of technical education.”
The decision has generated mixed reactions within the polytechnic community. While some stakeholders welcomed the move as a step towards raising academic standards, others expressed concern about its potential impact on career progression and job security for staff yet to advance their qualifications.
Education analysts, however, argue that the policy could motivate academic staff to pursue higher degrees promptly, thereby enriching teaching and research within the polytechnic sector.
The directive is expected to take immediate effect, with polytechnic governing councils directed to enforce compliance in line with NBTE’s regulatory framework.
