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NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification in polytechnics
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has introduced a Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) as a graduation requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula.
This is as the board says the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition is now central to the training of young Nigerians in polytechnics.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, the board’s Head of Media.
Abubakar explained that diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, as an additional certification.
According to her, this means the MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.
She also explained that the NSQ was a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.
According to her, it focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.
“NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.
“The dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and an ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression”, she said.
The NBTE head of media further said that the dual certification opens doors to career advancement opportunities as well as providing a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.
”The dual certification offers a competitive edge in the job market, enhances career prospects, and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
”This dual certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skills training facilities in our polytechnics and is therefore allowing a phased introduction.
”The guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing this new provision.
“Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes”, she noted.
She added that assessors would play vital role in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.
According to her, their role will include assessing standards, learning outcomes, and the overall performance of Skills Development Centres (SDCs) in polytechnics and other TVET institutions.
“Under the MSQ, HND level students who have acquired NSQ at the ND level can enroll in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ.
“The QAA certificate will be valuable in the workplace, as many industries require on-the-job training,” she said.
She noted that Nigeria’s technical manpower situation was characterised by several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions. (NAN
The Civil Society Organization under the umbrella of the Coalition of Zamfara Youths has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal for removing 2,363 workers from the state’s payroll, describing the action as unjust and detrimental to security in the region, described the move, calling it “the height of wickedness” and arguing that it would worsen insecurity in the state.
In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the coalition, Dr Umar Jelaludeen, rejected the government’s claim.
“What Governor Dauda has done is purely an act of wickedness. There is nothing like ghost workers,” he said.
Jelaludeen criticised the government for not conducting a screening exercise to verify the existence of ghost workers before making the decision.
“We are in Zamfara State, and there has been no official announcement of any screening. We just woke up to the breaking news from the government,” he added.
The group also praised former Governor Bello Matawalle for his fair treatment of civil servants during his tenure.
“Under Matawalle’s administration, there were no mass sackings. Instead, he created employment opportunities, appointing 8,000 young people into his government,” the coalition stated.
The group alleged that the sacking of workers was a deliberate move to deny civil servants their wages and divert funds for private use.
“Why sack these workers, knowing fully well that they have nothing to feed on? The state government has dismissed them all in the name of ghost workers,” the coalition said.
They further warned that such actions could deter investors from coming to Zamfara due to heightened insecurity and economic instability.
“We have been complaining about insecurity in the state, and this is one of the reasons investors are reluctant to come. We call on Governor Dauda to reinstate the workers, as he is not creating jobs but rather sacking those already in the system without following due process.”
The group also expressed concerns over financial transparency, noting that in the combined 12 years of former Governors Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, Zamfara did not receive as much federal funding as it has under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration in just two years.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently held a press briefing to protest the sackings. The union accused the governor of dismissing more than 8,000 workers and failing to implement the national minimum wage in the state.
The minority caucus in the house of representatives has condemned the killing of 16 Kano-bound hunters in Edo state.
On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilance group members raised the alarm on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The Edo state government said 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
During a visit to some of the families of the victims at Bankure LGA in Kano, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, assured that justice would be served.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minority caucus described the killing of the hunters as “barbaric”.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers asked Nigerians never to resort to jungle attacks on fellow citizens but to always report any concerns to security agencies.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” the caucus said.
While noting that the incident is “already setting emotions on edge” in parts of the country, the legislators urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the security agencies investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Also, adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Chinda, minority leader; Ali Isa, minority whip; and Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, has condemned the murder of 16 Kano-bound travellers in Edo state.
Describing the incident as “deeply painful”, the former Bayelsa governor warned that those who engage in ethnic profiling are risking a Rwanda-like tragedy in Nigeria.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after members of a vigilance group in Uromi suspected that they were kidnappers.
“There should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks,” Dickson wrote on Facebook.
“That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.
“Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preach against. We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are.
“In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.
“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”
Commending the “proactive steps taken” by Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor, Dickson called on the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
He also demanded compensation for families of the victims.