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…demand Executive Order to end BSc/HND dichotomy
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has picked holes in the implementation of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme of the government.
NATE noted that some crucial technical skill areas in engineering that ought to be foundation trades to the newly developed academic standards for TVET have been completely left out in more than the 81 skill areas already developed under the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF).
NATE President, Dominic Udoatan, at a press conference, in Abuja said the reason for the exclusion or “incomplete” work on the standard was, perhaps, because the Association was not duly consulted in the cause of developing the standard under the National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF).
He listed some of the engineering trades as Foundry craft Practice/Technology; Fabrication/Maintenance of Hospital Machineries/Equipment; General Mechanical Work Processes inclusive of both Manual and Automation Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and CAD/CAM systems in professional Milling, Machining, Turning and Fitting; Heat Treatment, Material Testing, Corrosion Prevention and Metallurgraphy; and Industrial Instrumentation and Servicing.
He added: “These engineering trades are of critical need right now in Nigeria. These trades and skills which are seen as the hallmark for machine components and spare parts production in engineering, and the lifeline for techno-industrial development of industrialized and developed nations of the world are of great importance and concern to us as a body of practical engineers and technologists.
“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Ministry of Education through the Minister and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) through the Executive Secretary to partner with NATE in the development of standards and the syllabus for use in the teaching of the aforementioned areas of skills and others.
“Also, we advocate that the Engineering Residency Programme for Engineering graduates of Universities and Polytechnics which the Council for the Regulation of Engineering In Nigeria (COREN) is about to start should be given full funding by the Federal Government.
“This will, undoubtedly, enhance competency and proficiency in the engineering field, thereby, boosting technological growth and advancement in Nigeria, as well as improving our economy.”
The NATE President also commended the efforts of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to improve skill, technical education and technological advancement in Nigeria particularly the recent decision to make technical education free in all Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) in Nigeria.
He also noted that the recent pronouncement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa to abolish the HND/BSc dichotomy by empowering Polytechnics to award Degree (B.Tech) was a great achievement, and was highly applauded.
“But as a Professional body that sees to the affairs of Engineering graduates of Polytechnics in Nigeria, we wish to support the proposed reforms by the Federal Government as this would bring a lasting solution to this age long struggle. Also, that the Polytechnics should be adequately equipped and funded to discharge their new responsibilities by the Federal and State Government.
“We hereby appeal that this noble gesture should be backed up with an Executive Order from the President and an Act of Parliament from the National Assembly. We, equally, appealed to the President to officially abolish the HND and BSc dichotomy, and allow the present HND holders to proceed beyond grade level 14 in their career progression while implementing the new technological education.
“Harmonizing the qualifications and strengthening Technical Education would surely enable Nigeria to unlock the full potential of its workforce, build competitive industries, and secure a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“In furtherance to the above, we also appeal to the Minister of Education and other relevant authorities to create the Nigerian Polytechnic Commission (NPC) that will see to the effective running of the Polytechnics in Nigeria,” he added.
He also called on Federal and State government, Captains of Industries, Educational Institutions, and the media to support the reforms and work collectively toward their implementation.
