The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a directive mandating lecturers in technical schools across Nigeria who were employed with only first degrees or Higher National Diplomas (HND) to obtain a master’s degree within five years of employment or risk being reclassified as non-teaching staff.
The directive was contained in a circular dated September 10, 2025, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary, Idris Bugaje. The board expressed concern over the increasing number of academic staff in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions who have failed to upgrade their qualifications despite years on the job.
“The Board, as the regulator of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria, has observed with dismay how bachelor’s degree and Higher National Diploma holders employed as academic staff in TVET institutions fail to acquire higher academic qualifications,” the circular stated.
According to the directive, provosts and rectors of technical institutions are to notify affected staff that they must secure a postgraduate degree within five years of their employment date. Non-compliance, the NBTE warned, would attract sanctions.
The circular further emphasized: “The Board has approved a moratorium of five years from the date of employment for staff to acquire a master’s degree. Consequently, any academic staff who fails to meet this requirement shall be converted from teaching to non-teaching staff.”
NBTE added that the order takes immediate effect and called on all concerned staff to comply strictly with the new policy.
