National Board for Technical Education NBTE says the new scheme of service approved for Nigerian Polytechnics indicates that holders of Higher National Diploma HND can be employed as lecturers in Polytechnics.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Professor Idris Bugaje stated this during the formal presentation of the new Schemes of Service to Polytechnics stakeholders in Kaduna.
Professor Bugaje explained that, HND Holders with good grades are now to be appointed as Academic Staff; Graduate Assistants, like their degree counterparts.
He further stated that, “these marvelous achievements were made possible by the Mother of skills development in Nigeria, the Head of Service of the Federation, a pillar of support for the Polytechnic sector, and a very fair arbiter in our affairs, Dr. Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR. We are most grateful for her tireless efforts that culminated in today’s celebration”
Under the new schemes, He said, the Instructor cadre, which represents segregation against HND holders in the past, has been abolished.
The Technician cadre has been subsumed by the Technologist cadre, allowing ND holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists.
The Pharmacy Technology cadre has been maintained. For those with an HND in Pharmacy Technology, but who may not be allowed to work in hospitals by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, their space in the public service has been retained”
Professor Bugaje also stated that, the new Schemes of Service which became operational from June 7, 2024, presents a unified approach to the recruitment and promotion of staff across Nigerian Polytechnics, Federal, State, and even private.
Professor Idris Bugaje pointed out that, the milestone has taken over a decade of struggle and efforts by Staff Unions, Rectors of Polytechnics through their COHEADS/COFER bodies, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE.