By our Reporter
The National Board for Technical Education has responded to concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics regarding the proposed outsourcing of quality assurance activities.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media Unit, Fatima Abubakar, the NBTE clarified that the outsourcing would be limited to physical accreditation exercises and only for institutions lacking the necessary ICT infrastructure to access its digital accreditation platform.
The ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, had earlier rejected the plan, describing it as an attempt to commercialise polytechnic regulation and undermine the integrity of the accreditation process.
The Board acknowledged ASUP’s commitment to maintaining high standards in regulating Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria.
“The outsourcing model applies only to institutions that are unable to log into our existing digital platform. It is structured to maintain transparency, prevent conflicts of interest, and uphold the integrity of the accreditation process.
“The proposed framework aims to address the growing challenge of regulating an increasing number of institutions (over 800 and counting) under NBTE’s jurisdiction, with fewer than 100 programme officers (NBTE staff).
“We appreciate ASUP’s commitment to maintaining high standards in regulating TVET in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The Board further stated that the outsourcing initiative had been approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
According to the NBTE, the initiative seeks to enhance efficiency, leverage external expertise, align with global best practices, and ensure timely accreditation and reaccreditation processes.
The Board reiterated its commitment to engaging with stakeholders, including ASUP, to refine implementation strategies that align with the best interests of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
“The Board remains open to constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including ASUP, to refine implementation strategies in the best interests of polytechnic education in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The NBTE also noted that a stakeholders’ dialogue on the initiative had been held with Rectors and union leaders earlier in the week.
“We look forward to continued engagement with ASUP, other staff unions, and all key stakeholders to strengthen the regulatory framework of TVET institutions and ensure sustainable quality assurance mechanisms,” the statement concluded.
