The National Board for Technical Education has explained why Higher National Diplomas (HND) holders could become polytechnic lecturers.
He said that under the new schemes, the Instructor cadre, which represented segregation against HND holders in the past, has been abolished.
This announcement was made on Wednesday during the presentation of the new Schemes of Service to polytechnic stakeholders, which were approved by Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of Service.
Prof. Bugaje explained that the new schemes, effective June 7, 2024, eliminate the Instructor cadre, which previously discriminated against HND holders.
The updated Schemes of Service standardise the recruitment and promotion processes across Nigerian polytechnics, whether federal, state, or private.
He said, “Starting from June 7, 2024, all prior versions of the Schemes of Service are no longer valid.
We are now united in implementing the new Schemes of Service within the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS),” he stated.
“This achievement follows over a decade of effort by staff unions, polytechnic rectors, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE.
I commend everyone involved and urge that we implement the new Schemes of Service with utmost responsibility.”
Prof. Bugaje highlighted his 3-S Agenda, introduced when he took office in April 2021, focusing on skills development, revitalizing the work spirit in the NBTE, and establishing a new Scheme of Service recognizing Nigerian Polytechnic System graduates.
He expressed gratitude for achieving these goals within three years.
While acknowledging that the Schemes of Service are not perfect and may require future revisions, he noted several key innovations: HND holders with good grades can now be appointed as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants), similar to their degree-holding counterparts.
The segregation against HND holders has ended, and the Technician cadre is now part of the Technologist cadre, allowing ND holders to become Assistant Technologists.
The Pharmacy Technology cadre remains intact, ensuring that HND holders in this field retain their place in public service, despite restrictions from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Addressing concerns from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) about the terminal level for the Registry Cadre, now Deputy Registrar (CONTEDISS 15), Prof. Bugaje clarified that the Registrar’s salary aligns with CONTEDISS, not CONPCASS (academic staff).
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He also mentioned that the abolition of skipping, raised by SSANIP and NASU unions, is open for discussion to align with other public service provisions.
The requirement for Senior Lecturers and above to have a minimum NSQ Level 3 aims to institutionalize skills training in polytechnics.
Current lecturers have a three-year grace period to acquire the NSQ or its equivalent, with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available if needed.
This measure intends to limit the influx of university staff without skills qualifications into polytechnics.
Overall, the new Schemes of Service offer a unified approach to staffing across Nigerian polytechnics. Compliance will be a criterion for accreditation in both old and new institutions.
Prof. Bugaje praised Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan for her pivotal role in this achievement and expressed gratitude to the Ministers of Education, the Permanent Secretary, and the supportive staff unions.
