New Scheme Empowers HND Holders as Graduate Assistants in Nigerian Polytechnics

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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.

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