NBTE has intensified its crackdown on fake polytechnics while unveiling a U.S. partnership to drive innovation.
This initiative promises applied research, technology skills, and stronger academic standards across Nigerian polytechnics.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating unaccredited institutions masquerading as polytechnics while unveiling a groundbreaking collaboration with MOC-LLC, a U.S.-based research and training body.
During an accreditation visit to the Harvard College of Science, Business, and Management Studies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Fatimah Kabir Umar, the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programs at the NBTE, warned that the board would not hesitate to take action against “mushroom institutions” that undermine Nigeria’s education system.
“We have been fighting against mushroom entities calling themselves what they are not. We won’t stop in the interest of safeguarding what is best for the nation,” she said.
Dr. Umar also urged lecturers to pursue professional development and join relevant industry bodies while praising Harvarde College’s management for complementing federal efforts in providing quality education.
The college applied for accreditation of eight programs, including film and multimedia production, journalism and media studies, business administration, accountancy, networking and cloud computing, and software and web development.
Founder and Provost, Dr. Oluwatosin Adebayo, assured continued investment to position the institution as a centre of excellence.
In Kaduna, NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, announced the board’s landmark collaboration with MOC-LLC.
The initiative introduces Applied Interdisciplinary Engineering and Technology Research into Nigerian polytechnics, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and open-source technologies.
Bugaje described the move as a “paradigm shift” that will transform polytechnics from theory-driven centres into hubs of practical solutions and innovation.
“We are moving from theory to practice, from certificates to solutions. This program equips our lecturers to transform classrooms and communities through applied research,” he said.
The NBTE confirmed that the first International Seminar and Conference on Applied Interdisciplinary Engineering and Technology will be held from November 25–27, 2025, at the UBEC Digital Centre, Abuja. Over 46 research groups are expected to present projects showcasing the impact of the training.
NBTE’s Head of Linkages and Research, Dr. Zakari Abdullahi, called the collaboration a “game changer,” while MOC-LLC officials described it as “a model of servant scholarship” that empowers Nigerian lecturers to lead Africa’s innovation in applied engineering.
