By Adesina Quadri Ademola
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a new directive mandating the conversion of academic staff in technical and vocational institutions who fail to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment to non-teaching roles.
The policy, signed by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, takes immediate effect and is aimed at raising the academic profile of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
According to the circular dated September 10, 2025, the NBTE expressed dissatisfaction over the growing trend where Bachelor’s and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders appointed as lecturers neglect to pursue higher qualifications, thereby undermining the quality of teaching and research in polytechnics and allied institutions.
“The Board has approved a moratorium of five years from the date of employment for academic staff to obtain a Master’s degree. Consequently, any staff member who fails to meet this requirement shall be converted from academic to non-teaching staff,” the directive stated.
