New Scheme Empowers HND Holders as Graduate Assistants in Nigerian Polytechnics

-

 


In a significant development for Nigeria's education sector, holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) with commendable grades are now eligible for appointment as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants) in polytechnics, aligning them with their degree-holding counterparts. This breakthrough is part of the newly approved Scheme of Service for Nigerian Polytechnics, as disclosed by Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

During the formal presentation of the new Schemes of Service, Prof. Bugaje highlighted the abolition of the Instructor Cadre, which previously segregated HND holders. This move is seen as a significant step towards equity and recognition of the skills and qualifications of polytechnic graduates.


Effective from June 7, 2024, the new Schemes of Service will unify recruitment and promotion processes across federal, state, and private polytechnics in Nigeria. Prof. Bugaje emphasized that all previous versions of the Schemes of Service would become obsolete, marking the beginning of a standardized system that acknowledges the contributions of HND holders.


This milestone follows over a decade of persistent efforts by various stakeholders, including staff unions, polytechnic rectors, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the NBTE. Prof. Bugaje commended the collective contributions and expressed hope for responsible operationalization of the new scheme.


Since taking office in April 2021, Prof. Bugaje has focused on three key areas: Skills development, reviving the spirit of work within the NBTE, and establishing a Scheme of Service that recognizes polytechnic graduates. He announced the successful achievement of these goals within three years, attributing the success to team effort and dedication.


 Key Innovations in the New Scheme


The new Schemes of Service include several innovations:

- Appointment of HND Holders as Graduate Assistants: This allows HND holders with good grades to be appointed as Academic Staff, removing past discrimination.

- Subsuming Technician Cadre: The Technician cadre is now part of the Technologist cadre, enabling ND holders to become Assistant Technologists.

- Retention of Pharmacy Technology Cadre: HND holders in Pharmacy Technology retain their positions in the public service, despite restrictions by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

The new scheme has resolved several contentious issues, including the terminal level for the Registry Cadre and the abolition of skipping, which will be discussed with the Head of Service for alignment with other public service cadres. The requirement for NSQ Level 3 minimum for Senior Lecturers and above aims to institutionalize skills training in polytechnics, with provisions for a moratorium and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for current lecturers.


Prof. Bugaje expressed gratitude to Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Service of the Federation, for her unwavering support and leadership in achieving these reforms. He also acknowledged the contributions of the education ministers, the permanent secretary, and staff unions for their solidarity and steadfastness.


The new Scheme of Service is a transformative step for Nigerian Polytechnics, promoting fairness, unity, and professional growth for HND holders. This initiative not only addresses long-standing inequalities but also enhances the overall quality of education and professional development within the polytechnic system.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Title: Nepotism on the Bench: The Impact of Political Favoritism in Nigeria's Judiciary

-
Image
  In Nigeria, the judiciary stands as a pillar of democracy, tasked with upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. However, recent events have cast a shadow over the integrity of the judiciary, as political favoritism and nepotism have infiltrated the process of judicial appointments. One glaring example of this troubling trend emerged with the recent list of appointments to the appeal court, where the wife of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, secured a position. This appointment raised eyebrows and sparked widespread debate about the fairness and transparency of the selection process. Nepotism, the practice of favoring relatives or friends in appointments, promotions, or business dealings, has long plagued Nigerian society. In the context of the judiciary, nepotism undermines the principles of meritocracy and impartiality, eroding public trust in the legal system. The appointment of family members of high-ranking politicians to judicial positions no
Read more

From Rent to Own: Why Saving Early is Key to Buying a House in Nigeria

-
Image
   In Nigeria, the dream of owning a home can seem out of reach for many, especially those with low incomes. However, with strategic planning and a commitment to saving early, this dream can become a reality. This article explores the importance of early savings, the challenges faced by low-income earners, and how government policies can assist in the journey from renting to owning a home. The Nigerian Housing Market: An Overview Nigeria’s housing market presents unique challenges, particularly for low-income earners. The high cost of housing, coupled with inflation and economic instability, makes it difficult for many to save enough for a down payment. Yet, owning a home remains a significant goal for most Nigerians, offering stability and a sense of achievement. Why Save Early? 1. Compounding Interest: The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time, easing the finan
Read more

30 Nigerian Governors Spend N968.64bn on Refreshments and Other Expenses in Three Months: Report

-
Image
In an alarming revelation, a recent report has highlighted the extravagant spending habits of Nigerian state governors. Despite the nation's economic struggles and the government's difficulty in meeting the N30,000 minimum wage for workers, governors have collectively spent a staggering N968.64 billion on refreshments and other non-essential expenses over just three months. The analysis, derived from budget performance reports sourced from Open Nigerian States, a BudgIT-backed platform that provides comprehensive government budget data, paints a stark picture of fiscal irresponsibility. In the first nine months of 2023, the 36 states of the federation collectively spent N1.71 trillion on recurrent expenditures. These expenditures include allowances, foreign trips, office supplies, aircraft maintenance, and more. If salaries are included, the total recurrent spending would escalate to N2.52 trillion. The breakdown of these expenditures reveals a pattern of lavish spending on non
Read more