BREAKING: NBTE orders Polytechnics to convert lecturers without a master’s Degree to non-teaching staff.

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The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has directed polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to convert academic staff who fail to obtain a Master’s degree within five years of employment to non-teaching positions.

The directive was contained in a circular dated September 10, 2025, and signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, who addressed it to all rectors and provosts of TVET institutions.

Bugaje said the decision followed growing concerns that many degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders employed as lecturers had failed to upgrade their qualifications despite years of service.

“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 stated.

He explained that the board had approved a five-year moratorium from the date of employment for all lecturers to obtain a Master’s degree, stressing that the new policy was aimed at raising the standard of teaching.

“This measure takes immediate effect, and institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance,” Bugaje said.

The NBTE boss emphasized that the move was designed to align Nigeria’s technical education system with global best practices. “The objective is to improve teaching standards in polytechnics and other TVET institutions, and we will support managements to drive quality and professionalism across the sector,” he added.

Bugaje urged rectors and provosts to enforce the directive, assuring them of the board’s commitment to strengthening technical education in the country

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