The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a stern warning to institutions, professional bodies, and examination councils involved in the illegal issuance of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, saying such acts will attract serious sanctions.
In a statement released by its Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the NBTE expressed concern over reports of unapproved schools and training centres awarding ND and HND certificates without following due accreditation processes. The board described the development as a dangerous trend capable of undermining the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s technical education system.
Professor Bugaje emphasized that the NBTE is the only government agency legally empowered to regulate all technical and vocational education in the country, including the accreditation of programmes leading to the award of ND and HND qualifications. He warned that any institution, body, or group found engaging in the illegal issuance of such certificates would face immediate sanctions, including withdrawal of accreditation, closure, and prosecution of its operators.
According to the statement, “The NBTE wishes to alert the public that only institutions duly accredited by the board are authorised to award National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates. Any certificate issued outside our regulatory framework is illegal and invalid. We will not hesitate to take decisive action against any organisation or individual found culpable.”
The board also raised alarm over increasing reports of certificate racketeering and fraudulent mobilisation of unqualified individuals into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme using fake ND or HND certificates. Professor Bugaje described the act as “a serious national embarrassment” that not only devalues genuine academic qualifications but also threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s education system before the international community.
He further stated that the NBTE, in collaboration with relevant security and education agencies, would commence a nationwide investigation into institutions suspected of operating without proper approval or offering unaccredited programmes. He warned students and parents to verify the accreditation status of any institution before seeking admission, stressing that ignorance would not serve as an excuse when such illegal certificates are eventually invalidated.
The statement read in part: “We advise students to always check the NBTE website for the list of accredited programmes and institutions. Employers and government agencies are also urged to confirm the authenticity of ND and HND certificates before accepting them. This is necessary to protect the integrity of our national education framework.”
Professor Bugaje noted that the NBTE remains committed to maintaining high standards in technical and vocational education across Nigeria. He said the board would continue to ensure that all accredited institutions meet the minimum requirements for staff quality, curriculum content, facilities, and instructional delivery before their programmes are approved.
He also encouraged institutions to seek proper accreditation through the right channels, adding that the NBTE would continue to support genuine polytechnics, monotechnics, and technical colleges that comply with its regulations. “We have zero tolerance for academic fraud, and we will continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to identify and sanction violators,” he said.
Education stakeholders have commended the NBTE’s proactive stance, noting that the crackdown on fake certificates would help restore confidence in Nigeria’s technical education system. They urged the government to complement the board’s efforts by ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and that illegal institutions are shut down permanently.
Meanwhile, the NBTE has reiterated that any ND or HND certificate not issued by an accredited institution under its supervision remains null and void. The board maintained that only qualifications awarded through approved programmes will be recognised for employment, further education, or mobilisation into the NYSC scheme.
The renewed warning by the NBTE underscores the board’s determination to sanitize Nigeria’s polytechnic education system and ensure that only qualified students and accredited institutions contribute to the development of a skilled and competent workforce in the country.
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