The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has clarified that the proposed schemes of service for polytechnics are strictly for federal polytechnics, excluding state polytechnics.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaji, in Kaduna on Monday while addressing newsmen at the headquarters of NBTE.
Bugaji explained that the schemes of service are specifically designed for federal polytechnics, which have unique ownership and governance structures that differ from state polytechnics.
He emphasised that education is on the concurrent list in the Nigerian Constitution, and therefore, NBTE cannot impose the new scheme of service on state polytechnics.
The NBTE boss noted that the appeal made by the Federal Polytechnics Academic Staff Union (FEPASU) was well noted, but clarified that the schemes of service are not applicable to state polytechnics.
He advised polytechnic lecturers to refrain from embarking on the planned strike by their union, warning that “anybody who goes on strike, we will apply the principle of ‘No Work, No Pay.’”
Bugaji highlighted that the 2024 schemes are a revolutionary document that recognizes HND holders as graduate assistants, similar to their university counterparts in polytechnics. However, he emphasised that principals and chief lecturers must have doctorate degrees, which is a non-negotiable requirement.
The Executive Secretary also pointed out that several areas require amendment, including the dichotomy against HND holders in other cadres, the omission of some cadres, and the need for promotions beyond three years. He added that these observations have been forwarded to the Head of Service