NBTE Justifies Outsourcing of Physical Accreditation Amid ASUP Concerns

The National Board for Technical Education has addressed concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics regarding the planned outsourcing of quality assurance functions.

In a statement released on Sunday by its Head of Media Unit, Fatima Abubakar, the NBTE clarified that the outsourcing would apply only to physical accreditation exercises and would be restricted to institutions that lack the ICT infrastructure needed to access its digital accreditation system.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, had previously opposed the proposal, describing it as an effort to commercialize polytechnic regulation and compromise the credibility of the accreditation process.

The NBTE reaffirmed that the digital platform would remain the main method for conducting accreditation and quality assurance procedures, fully overseen by the Board.

The Board acknowledged ASUP’s dedication to upholding high standards in the regulation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria.

“The outsourcing model applies only to institutions that are unable to log into our existing digital platform. It is structured to maintain transparency, prevent conflicts of interest, and uphold the integrity of the accreditation process.”

“The proposed framework aims to address the growing challenge of regulating an increasing number of institutions (over 800 and counting) under NBTE’s jurisdiction, with fewer than 100 programme officers (NBTE staff).”

“We appreciate ASUP’s commitment to maintaining high standards in regulating TVET in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The Board further stated that the outsourcing initiative had received approval from the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

According to the NBTE, this initiative is designed to improve efficiency, utilize external expertise, align with international best practices, and ensure the timely completion of accreditation and reaccreditation processes.

The Board reiterated its dedication to working with stakeholders, including ASUP, to fine-tune implementation approaches that best serve polytechnic education in Nigeria.

“The Board remains open to constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including ASUP, to refine implementation strategies in the best interests of polytechnic education in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The NBTE also mentioned that a stakeholder discussion on the initiative had taken place with Rectors and union representatives earlier in the week.

“We look forward to continued engagement with ASUP, other staff unions, and all key stakeholders to strengthen the regulatory framework of TVET institutions and ensure sustainable quality assurance mechanisms,” the statement concluded.