The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Bugaje, has announced the suspension of the implementation of the Schemes of Service for polytechnics staff in the country.
Professor Bugaje stated that the recently approved Scheme of Service for the polytechnics has been circulated, and proposals for amendments to address grey areas have been sent to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
The suspension of the scheme follows the rejection of the draft document and the threa by the Association of Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) last week to go on strike in 15 days if the Federal Government failed to suspend the implementation.
ASUP claimed that the document lacked their inputs and specifically rejected the National Skills Qualifications (NQS) and PhD acquisition as part of the requirements for lecturer career progression.
Professor Bugaje, at a press briefing on Monday in Kaduna, announced the suspension of the Scheme of Service implementation.
He mentioned that some of the observations raised by the union would be reviewed, except for the inclusion of doctoratal degrees for lecturers and NSQ, which he described as non-negotiable areas.
“There are many areas that require amendment including dichotomy against HND holders in their cadres, omission of some cadres, and allowing at least one skipping for all cadres like it is in other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“Not elongating the waiting period for all promotions beyond 3 years. These observations from the Committee of Rectors of Federal Polytechnics, ASUP, and the National Association of Polytechnic Students have been forwarded to the Head of Service.
“I’m very sure the Head of Service will respond to the letter sent to her. So we are going to suspend the implementation of the scheme of service until the issues are resolved,” he said.
According to him, the 2024 scheme is a revolutionary document, recognizing Higher National Diploma (HND) holders for the first time as graduate assistants like their university counterparts in the polytechnics.
He insisted that acquisition of doctoral degrees and NSQ for polytechnics lecturers were major areas the board cannot succumb to pressure to change.
Bugaje acknowledged the appeal made by the Federal Polytechnics Academic Staff Union (FEPASU), adding that the Scheme of Service strictly applies to federal polytechnics.
He further emphasized that from this year, every polytechnic student must undergo Mandatory Skills Qualification (MQS) before graduation, describing it as a major paradigm shift in polytechnic education in Nigeria, ensuring that diploma holders are equipped with practical skills.
Bugaje highlighted that the NQS was introduced to promote lecturers who drive the MQS, making them unique in both academic and hands-on skills.