Polytechnic Education Will Overtake Universities Soon – NBTE Chief Declares

Bugaje highlighted the imbalanced admission rates, with universities accounting for 70% of total admissions, while polytechnics only admit 18-20%, and colleges of education around 10-12%. He also pointed out the existing dichotomy in public service, where HND holders are limited to grade level 14, while degree holders can rise to director positions despite the superior hands-on skills that HND graduates often possess.

He proposed that polytechnics should offer a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) honours degree, separate from university degrees, to address the issue. Bugaje added that industries globally value skills qualifications more than academic degrees, and to this end, polytechnic graduates must be equipped with both academic qualifications and practical skills.

Bugaje also criticized the divide in civil service employment, where HND holders are often overlooked for advancement opportunities. He expressed hope that reforms, such as amending the Polytechnic Act to allow polytechnics to offer B.Tech degrees, will be implemented soon to address the dichotomy and enhance the status of polytechnic education in Nigeria.