The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating unaccredited institutions parading as polytechnics across Nigeria.
Speaking during an accreditation visit to Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Obada, Abeokuta, the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes at NBTE, Dr. Fatimah Kabir Umar, warned that the board would not relent in shutting down “mushroom entities” operating without approval.
“We have been fighting against mushroom entities calling themselves what they are not. We won’t stop in the interest of safeguarding what is best for the nation,” Umar said.
She stressed that while challenges remain, polytechnic education continues to play a vital role in upscaling skills acquisition for national development. “Knowledge is good, but execution is equally important. Polytechnic education has remained relevant in building a more prosperous nation,” she added.
During the visit, NBTE assessed the college’s science and management programmes, including courses in Business Administration, Computer Science (now unbundled into Software Development and Cybersecurity), among others. Umar commended the institution’s facilities and infrastructure but urged lecturers to invest more in professional development through conferences, journal publications, and registration with relevant professional bodies.
She praised the management of Harvarde College for complementing federal efforts to deliver quality tertiary education, encouraging them to continue investing in excellence and upholding NBTE standards.
The founder and Provost of the college, Dr. Oluwatosin Adebayo, explained that the visit was for resource inspection and accreditation of about eight programmes, including Film and Multimedia Production, Journalism and Media Studies, Accountancy, Business Administration, Law, Networking and Cloud Computing, and Software and Web Development.
He added that the exercise also covered Higher National Diploma (HND) accreditation, which would enable graduates of accredited programmes to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Adebayo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuous investment and adherence to NBTE’s quality assurance framework.
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