The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced mandatory skill qualification (MSQ) as a requirement for all newly reviewed National Diploma and Higher National Diploma curricula.
The board noted that the introduction is in line with global trends, especially as skill acquisition is now central to the training of youths in polytechnics.
The board’s Head of Media, Fatimah Abubakar, explained that diploma holders would now graduate with a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) or its equivalent, as an additional certification.
She said the MSQ is now a requirement for all diploma programmes and must be attained before graduation.
Abubakar explained that the NSQ was a certification system designed to assess and recognise the skills and competencies of individuals in various fields.
“It focuses on vocational skills and it’s typically obtained through vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and assessments conducted by approved bodies.”
According to her, NSQ is aimed at bridging the gap between formal education and industry needs by providing individuals with practical skills relevant to the job market.
Besides, she pointed out that the dual certification of obtaining both an NSQ and ND in Nigeria offers several benefits, including a comprehensive skill set, increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression.
The NBTE head of media further added that the dual certification would open doors to career advancement opportunities, while also providing a strong foundation for upward mobility and career growth.
She said: “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 certification is expected to significantly enhance employability. However, NBTE is aware of the limited skill training facilities in our polytechnics and it is, therefore, allowing a phased introduction.”
According to her, the guideline provides polytechnic administrators with methods for implementing the new provision.
She emphasised the critical role of quality assurance in the effectiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
“Under the MSQ, HND students who have acquired NSQ at the ordinary diploma 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,” she said.
Abubakar noted that several challenges, including skill shortages, a mismatch between industry needs and training, and lack of synergy between industry, government agencies, and TVET institutions, characterised Nigeria’s technical manpower situation.
She added that assessors would play a vital role in this process, through evaluating the quality of education and training provided in various technical and vocational fields.
