Former Registrar, Nationwide Enterprise and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Prof. Olu Aina, has urged the Federal Authorities to supply the required wherewithal for polytechnics to begin awarding bachelor and post-graduate levels in technology-related programmes.
The ex-NABTEB boss, additionally canvassed the abolishment of the Greater Nationwide Diploma (HND) diploma, lamenting that Nigerian polytechnics have didn’t measure up with their counterparts in different international locations.
The don acknowledged this in his lecture on the mixed convocation of the Osun State Faculty of Know-how, Esa Oke, Osun State.
In his paper titled: ‘Revitalising polytechnic schooling in Nigeria: From challenges to alternatives,’ Aina stated the Nationwide Board for Technical Schooling (NBTE) has failed to meet its obligation.
He suggested that polytechnics must be statutorily empowered to supply diploma programmes at Bachelor, Grasp and Ph.D. ranges, whereas retaining their designation.
The previous NABTEB chief additionally suggested that polytechnics must be allowed to run Bachelors, Grasp and Ph.D. levels in technology-related programmes.
“To this finish, solely Nationwide Diploma must be allowed to proceed, whereas HND must be abolished.”
He, nonetheless, suggested that there must be a moratorium of at the very least 5 to 6 years for the transition to permit tutorial workers with decrease {qualifications} to improve to minimal necessities.
“The brand new nationwide diploma must be three years with six months’ apprenticeship after the primary semester of the primary yr and one other six months apprenticeship after the primary semester of the second yr, whereas the final two semesters must be in class.”
He accused the NBTE of being a part of the issues confronting polytechnics, relatively than being an agent of the answer.
Aina maintained that the NBTE, as presently structured, can’t successfully ship on the mandate of polytechnic in Nigeria, saying a completely new fee for polytechnics must be established.
