In a significant development, holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) will now qualify for employment as lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics under a revised Scheme of Service. This move aims to address the influx of academic staff from universities who may lack relevant skills and qualifications for polytechnic teaching roles.
The newly introduced Schemes of Service will standardize recruitment and promotion practices across all Nigerian polytechnics, whether federal, state, or private institutions. This framework, recently approved by the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, was formally unveiled by Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Prof. Bugaje emphasized that the reforms mark a significant milestone after over a decade of collaborative efforts involving staff unions, polytechnic rectors, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE. He expressed commitment to implementing these changes uniformly across the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS).
“We are all united from now onwards to operate the new Schemes of Service in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS),” Prof. Bugaje stated. “This milestone has taken over a decade of struggle and efforts by our Staff Unions, Rectors of Polytechnics through their COHEADS/COFER bodies, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE.”
Key highlights of the new Schemes of Service include the abolition of the Instructor cadre, which previously restricted HND holders. Now, HND holders with good grades will be appointed as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants) within their own system, similar to their degree-holding counterparts. The Technician cadre has been integrated into the Technologist cadre, allowing ND holders to serve as Assistant Technologists.
Furthermore, specific provisions have been made to preserve the Pharmacy Technology cadre, ensuring positions for HND holders in Pharmacy Technology within the public service, even if they are not licensed to work in hospitals by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
The implementation of these revised Schemes of Service is expected to enhance the quality of education and expertise within Nigerian polytechnics, fostering a conducive environment for both academic staff and students alike.
