The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has restated its determination to clamp down on unaccredited institutions parading themselves as polytechnics across Nigeria.
The regulatory body described such mushroom entities as a major threat to the government’s efforts to provide qualitative and credible technical education.
Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in fake polytechnics operating without proper accreditation. These institutions, often lacking qualified staff, standard curricula, and adequate facilities, put the future of unsuspecting students at risk while undermining national education goals.
Speaking during an accreditation visit to Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Obada, Abeokuta, the NBTE’s Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes, Dr. Fatimah Kabir Umar, reaffirmed that the board will not relent in its campaign against such establishments.
She noted that despite existing challenges, polytechnic education in Nigeria remains a strong platform for skills acquisition and national development.
According to her, polytechnic education has continued to play a critical role in advancing technological growth and providing practical knowledge required to build a viable economy.
She emphasized the need for lecturers to pursue professional development through conferences, publications, and membership in recognized professional bodies to improve teaching quality and keep pace with global standards.
The accreditation exercise at Harvarde College covered a range of science and management programmes, including Business Administration, Computer Science, Software Development, and Cybersecurity.
Umar observed that the institution has made remarkable progress in terms of facilities and infrastructure compared to previous visits, commending its management for aligning with federal government standards.
Founder and Provost of the college, Dr. Oluwatosin Adebayo, explained that the NBTE’s visit was part of its routine quality assurance process conducted every two years.
He disclosed that the exercise included institutional accreditation and programme inspection for courses such as Film and Multimedia Production, Journalism and Media Studies, Accountancy, Business Administration, Law, Networking and Cloud Computing, as well as Software and Web Development.
Adebayo added that the college is also seeking accreditation for Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in selected courses, which would enable its graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He assured that the institution remains committed to continuous investment in infrastructure and academic excellence to meet national and international benchmarks.
The NBTE urged polytechnic operators nationwide to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, stressing that only institutions duly recognized and accredited will be allowed to function in Nigeria’s technical education system.
