NBTE introduces mandatory skills qualification for polytechnic students

All recently reviewed National Diploma and Higher National Diploma curriculum now demand completion of a Mandatory Skills Qualification as a graduation requirement, according to the National Board for Technical Education.

The adoption, according to the board, is in keeping with worldwide trends, particularly as youth training in polytechnics now places a strong emphasis on skill acquisition.

Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, the head of the board's media, revealed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to Abubakar, diploma holders will now receive an extra certification upon graduation in the form of a National Skills Qualification or its equivalent.
According to her, completing the MSQ is now necessary for all diploma degrees and must be done before graduating.

She added that the NSQ was a system of certification created to evaluate and identify the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.
"It focuses on vocational skills and is typically acquired through apprenticeships, approved skill assessment bodies' assessments, and vocational training programmes."NSQ seeks to close the skills gap between formal education and industry demands by equipping people with employable, real-world skills.

According to her, earning both an NSQ and an ND simultaneously in Nigeria has many advantages, including a broad skill set, improved employability, adaptability, professional recognition, and career advancement.

The head of media for the NBTE went on to say that having the dual certification gives one a solid basis for career growth and upward mobility as well as access to career progression options.
The dual certification improves employment chances, gives people a competitive edge in the labour market, and gives them the information and abilities they need to succeed in their chosen industries.

It is anticipated that having this dual certification will greatly improve employability. However, NBTE is permitting a phased introduction because it is cognizant of the inadequate facilities for skill training in our polytechnics.

The guidance gives polytechnic administrators instructions on how to put this new clause into practice. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes must be relevant and effective, and this requires quality assurance, the speaker said.

She continued by saying that assessors, who rate the calibre of instruction and training offered in a range of technical and vocational sectors, will be essential to this process.

According to her, one of their responsibilities will be to evaluate the overall effectiveness of Skills Development Centres in polytechnics and other TVET institutions, as well as standards and learning outcomes.

Under the MSQ, HND level students may choose to register in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training rather than another NSQ if they have obtained NSQ at the ND level.

Given that many businesses need on-the-job training, the QAA credential will be useful in the workplace, the speaker said.

She pointed out that Nigeria's technical personnel situation was typified by a number of issues, such as skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of collaboration between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions.