NBTE Warns Against Illegal Award of ND, HND Certificates Across Nigeria
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) warns professional and examination bodies nationwide to stop the illegal conduct and award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates.
In a statement on Thursday in Kaduna, the Board’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, quoting the Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said NBTE was alarmed by the activities of some organisations running ND/HND programmes without proper accreditation.
Prof. Bugaje described such acts as illegal and damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s technical education system.
NBTE Warns Against Illegal Award of ND, HND Certificates, Reaffirms Its Mandate
The Board reaffirmed that NBTE is the only body legally empowered by the Federal Government’s Decree No. 9 of 1977, as amended by Act 16 of 1985, to accredit and regulate all ND and HND programmes.
It clarified that only approved Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, including polytechnics, colleges of nursing, health, and agriculture, can award these certificates after meeting NBTE standards
NBTE Warns Against Illegal Award of ND, HND Certificates, Says Offenders Face Sanctions
NBTE warned that any group or institution found violating these rules will face legal action, including withdrawal of accreditation or closure. The Board urged students and employers to verify accreditation status before enrolling or hiring.
Crackdown on Fake Polytechnics
This statement follows the Board’s ongoing crackdown on mushroom institutions and fake polytechnics. The NBTE said such illegal schools deceive students and undermine the government’s efforts to improve technical education.
The Federal Government has also directed all institutions to verify academic credentials through the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) starting October 6, 2025.
NBTE Reiterates Commitment to Quality
The NBTE restated its commitment to upholding standards and protecting the value of the ND and HND certificates.
“Our goal is to restore integrity in Nigeria’s technical education and ensure our graduates are globally competitive,” Prof. Bugaje said.
