The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a directive mandating that academic staff in polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions must obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment or face conversion to non-teaching roles.
This directive was disclosed in a circular dated September 10, 2025, signed by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje, and addressed to all rectors and provosts of TVET institutions across Nigeria.
Prof. Bugaje expressed concern over the large number of lecturers, including both university degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, who have failed to upgrade their academic qualifications despite being in service for several years.
“Any academic staff who fails to acquire a Master’s degree after five years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff,” the circular warned.
The new policy takes immediate effect, with NBTE instructing all heads of institutions to strictly enforce compliance.
According to Bugaje, the measure is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the quality of teaching and aligning Nigeria’s technical education system with global best practices.
He noted that upgrading the qualifications of academic staff is essential to enhancing both the credibility and the output of TVET institutions.
“This is not about punishment; it is about quality assurance. We want our polytechnics to compete globally. Lecturers must continually improve themselves,” he stated.
NBTE also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutions and their staff through the transition and urged proactive steps to help affected lecturers begin postgraduate studies within the stipulated timeframe.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
