Kaduna: The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a warning to all professional and examination bodies in Nigeria to cease the unauthorized conduct and issuance of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates. This caution was communicated through a statement by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, relayed by the board’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Prof. Idris Bugaje has circulated a directive expressing concern about the activities of certain professional and examination bodies that are allegedly designing, conducting, and issuing ND and HND certificates across various disciplines. He emphasized that these activities are illegal and contravene the NBTE’s foundational Act.
Prof. Bugaje stated, “The NBTE remains the only body legally empowered under the Federal Government Decree No. 9 of 1977, as amended by Act 16 of 1985, to approve, accredit, and regulate all programmes leading to the award of ND and HND certificates in Nigeria.” The board clarified that only accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, such as polytechnics, colleges of nursing sciences, colleges of health, colleges of agriculture, and other specialized institutions that meet the prescribed standards, are authorized to offer ND and HND programs.
The NBTE further warned that it would take necessary regulatory and legal action against any professional or examination bodies discovered to be involved in these illegal practices. The board called on all stakeholders and the public to adhere strictly to the established regulations governing technical education in the country.