NBTE Introduces Mandatory Skills Qualification for Polytechnic Graduates

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced a new graduation requirement for all National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs: the Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ).

This initiative emphasizes the global need for skill acquisition in youth training at polytechnics.

In a statement released by Hajiya Fatimah Abubakar, Head of Media for NBTE, it was disclosed that diploma holders will now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, providing them with an additional certification.

“The MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation,” said Abubakar. She explained that the NSQ is a certification system designed to assess and recognize the practical skills and competencies of individuals, typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies.

“It focuses on vocational skills and is typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved skill assessment bodies. NSQ aims to bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market,” Abubakar added.

This dual certification—an NSQ along with an ND—offers a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression.

Abubakar further explained that dual certification provides a competitive edge in the job market and opens doors to career advancement opportunities. ”The dual certification offers a competitive edge in the job market, enhances career prospects, and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

This dual certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skills training facilities in our polytechnics and is therefore allowing a phased introduction. This guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing this new provision. Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes,” she noted.

To address the limited skills training facilities in polytechnics, NBTE is allowing a phased introduction of the MSQ. Guidelines have been provided to polytechnic administrators to help implement this new provision effectively. Quality assurance will be essential, with assessors evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.

She added that assessors would be key in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.

“Assessors serve as important agents in this process, responsible for evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields. Their role encompasses assessing standards, learning outcomes, and the overall performance of Skills Development Centres in polytechnics and other TVET institutions.”

“Under the MSQ, HND level students who have acquired NSQ at the ND level can enrol in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ. The QAA certificate will be valuable in the workplace, as many industries require on-the-job training,” said Abubakar.

She noted that several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and a lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions characterised Nigeria’s technical manpower situation.

The Mandatory Skills Qualification aims to address these issues by enabling graduates to acquire at least one certified skill.