NBTE Moves to Clamp Down on Fake Polytechnics Across Nigeria

The National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating unaccredited institutions posing as polytechnics in Nigeria. The regulatory body emphasized that it will not relent in its efforts to safeguard the integrity of technical and vocational education in the country.

Speaking during an accreditation exercise at Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Obada, Abeokuta, the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes, Dr. Fatimah Kabir Umar, stressed that the NBTE would continue to fight against “mushroom” institutions that mislead unsuspecting students.

“We have been fighting against mushroom entities calling themselves what they are not. We won’t stop, because protecting the future of our students and ensuring quality education for the nation remains our priority,” Umar said.

She further explained that despite challenges in the sector, polytechnic education has continued to play a vital role in equipping Nigerians with the skills necessary for technological and economic advancement. “Knowledge is important, but its application is even more critical. Polytechnic education has been leading in that regard and remains relevant to building a more prosperous nation,” she added.

Accreditation Visit

The NBTE team was in the institution to accredit programmes in science and management clusters, including Business Administration, Computer Science, Software Development, and Cybersecurity.

Umar noted that the school had made impressive progress in facilities and infrastructure but encouraged lecturers to pursue professional development by joining relevant bodies, attending conferences, and publishing academic work to strengthen their capacity to deliver quality education.

She commended the institution’s management for supporting the federal government’s efforts in raising educational standards and urged them to sustain their investments in excellence.

School Management Reacts

The Provost of Harvarde College, Dr. Oluwatosin Adebayo, confirmed that the NBTE visit was part of the board’s regular resource inspection and accreditation exercise, which takes place every two years.

He disclosed that about eight courses were up for accreditation, including Film and Multimedia Production, Journalism and Media Studies, Accountancy, Business Administration, Law, Networking and Cloud Computing, as well as Software and Web Development.

The institution also presented its Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes for accreditation, which, once approved, will enable its graduates to qualify for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“This visit is a welcome development. We are confident because we have done our part in keeping to the rules and ensuring that our programmes meet NBTE standards. We remain committed to continuous investment that will position our school as one of the best in Nigeria,” Adebayo said.

Safeguarding Standards

The NBTE reiterated that it will continue to clamp down on unaccredited schools operating under the guise of polytechnics, stressing that such practices undermine the government’s vision of providing quality technical education.

With regular monitoring, improved oversight, and stronger partnerships with institutions, the NBTE believes Nigeria’s polytechnic system will remain a cornerstone for skills acquisition and national development.