The Nigerian government has announced a new scheme of service that allows holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) to be employed as lecturers in polytechnics. This move is aimed at addressing the influx of academic staff from universities into polytechnics, particularly those lacking skills and qualifications.
According to the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the new scheme of service offers a consistent framework for hiring and promoting staff in polytechnics across Nigeria, encompassing federal, state, and private institutions.
The new scheme, which has been approved by the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, abolishes the Instructor cadre, which previously segregated HND holders, and allows them to be appointed as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants) alongside their degree-holding counterparts.
The scheme also merges the Technician cadre into the Technologist cadre, permitting ND holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists. Additionally, the Pharmacy Technology cadre has been preserved, safeguarding positions in the public service for those with a HND in Pharmacy Technology who may not be permitted to work in hospitals by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
This development is seen as a significant milestone in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS), and is expected to enhance the quality of education and training in polytechnics across the country.
