The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has directed lecturers at technical schools across the country working with first degrees to acquire a master’s within five years of employment or risk conversion to non-teaching positions.

In a circular dated September 10, 2025, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary Idris Bugaje, the body decried the rising trend of teaching staff employed with bachelor’s degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders at technical schools but refused to upgrade to a postgraduate degree after five years on the job.

“The Board as the regulator of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria has observed, with dismay, how bachelor’s degree/Higher National Diploma (HND) holders employed as Academic staff in TVET Institutions fail to acquire higher academic qualifications,” a part of the circular read.

Subsequently, the NBTE directed provosts and rectors of technical schools to inform the affected staff that they must complete their master’s degrees within five years starting from their respective employment date, noting that any non-compliance will attract penalties.

“In view of the above, I am directed to inform you that the Board has approved a moratorium of five (5) years from the date of the staff’s employment to acquire a master’s degree. Consequently, any academic staff who fails to acquire a master’s degree after five (5) years of employment shall be converted from academic staff to non-teaching staff,” the body added.

The board said that the directive would take effect immediately, urging the affected employees to adhere strictly to the order