The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has raised concerns over a directive allegedly issued by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which proposes the conversion of lecturers without master’s degrees into non-academic staff.
The union’s National President, Shammah Kpanja, disclosed that ASUP would meet with NBTE to verify the authenticity of the circular and deliberate on an appropriate response.
The circular, dated September 10 and signed by NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, reportedly instructed rectors and provosts of polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to downgrade academic staff who fail to obtain a master’s degree within five years of employment.
According to the circular, the move is designed to enhance teaching standards and align Nigerian polytechnics with global best practices. Bugaje lamented that several lecturers with only first degrees and Higher National Diplomas had not advanced their academic qualifications despite years of employment.
However, Kpanja expressed scepticism about the directive, pointing out irregularities in the letter’s QR code verification process. He stressed that even if the circular was authentic, the union would resist any policy that contradicts the existing scheme of service governing employment, promotion, and career progression in the polytechnic system.
“We encourage our members to pursue higher qualifications and embrace scholarship. However, we must ensure that any reform aligns with established guidelines for academic staff,” he said.
