By Olawale Lamina
The age-long dichotomy between the university degree and the polytechnic qualifications has been broken as graduates of Higher National Diplomas ,HND, in the country can now be recognized and employed as lecturers in the polytechnics based on the new schemes of service, under the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, according to the Executive Secretary of the Board, Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje.
Prof. Bugaje made the announcement on Wednesday at the formal presentation of the new Schemes of Service to the Polytechnics stakeholders, approved by the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan.
Under the new schemes, the Instructor cadre which represents segregation against HND holders in the past has been abolished.
The Executive Secretary of NBTE stated that the new Schemes of Service, became effective from June 7, 2024, indicated a unified approach to the recruitment and promotion of staff across Nigerian Polytechnics, Federal, State and private.
The NBTE boss said: “From 7th June, 2024, all previous versions of the Schemes of Service, cease to become legal tender. We are all united from now onwards to operate the new Schemes of Service in the Nigerian Polytechnic System (NPS).
“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.
” I must commend all of you for all your contributions and pray that we shall operationalize the new Schemes of Service with all sense of responsibility.
“When I took office in April 2021, I announced my 3-S Agenda as my key areas of focus as Executive Secretary, namely the Skills development agenda, the Spirit of work in the NBTE which must be revived and a new Scheme of service that gives recognition to the products of the Nigerian Polytechnic System. With gratitude to Allah, the Most High, I am glad to announce that, working with you as a team, we have been able to achieve all the three within 3 years.”
Prof. Bugaje acknowledged the fact that the newly approved Schemes of Service may not be perfect, based on its nature as man-made, and may be subject to future reviews.
But, he expressed satisfaction with the new Schemes, saying that henceforward HND Holders with good grades can now to be appointed as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants), like their degree counterparts, in a system that is theirs.
He threw more light on the new Schemes by stating that,“The Instructor cadre which represents segregation against HND holders in the past has been abolished. The Technician cadre has been subsumed by the Technologist cadre, allowing ND holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists.
“The Pharmacy Technology cadre has been maintained. For those with a HND in Pharmacy Technology, but who may not be allowed to work in hospitals by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, their space in the public service has been retained.
“An area of contention raised by ASUP is the terminal level for the Registry Cadre which is now the Deputy Registrar (CONTEDISS 15) since the position of the Registrar is tenured on consolidated salary like other principal officers.
“This matter is easily resolvable because the salary of the Registrar Cadre is CONTEDISS, not CONPCASS (academic staff). Equally, an area of concern for other Unions (SSANIP and NASU) is that skipping has been abolished. This is open for discussion with the HoSF to get this position streamlined along with the provisions in other cadres of public service.
“The requirement of NSQ Level 3 minimum for Senior Lecturers and above is a positive step aimed at institutionalizing skills training in the Polytechnics. Let me advise that current lecturers seeking promotion to senior level shall be given 3 years moratorium to acquire the NSQ (or its equivalent) and where necessary shall be offered Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to qualify.
“This provision shall put check on the inflow of academic staff from universities into our Polytechnics especially those who may not have skills qualification. On the overall, the new Schemes of Service presents a unified approach to the recruitment and promotion of staff across Nigerian Polytechnics, Federal, State, and even private.
“We shall use it as an instrument of accreditation in old and new Institutions in terms of compliance. These marvelous achievements were made possible by the Mother of Skills Development in Nigeria, the Head of Service of the Federation, a pillar of support for the Polytechnic sector, and a very fair arbiter in our affairs, Dr. Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR. We are most grateful for her tireless efforts that culminated in today’s celebration.”
He also commended the two Ministers of Education and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry for their continuous support, adding that, “Our Staff Unions have all along shown solidarity and steadfastness, and this is well acknowledged.”
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