The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has raised concerns over the new National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) standards for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying the Federal Government left out several core engineering foundation trades needed for real industrial and technical development.
The association said many crucial technical skill areas in engineering that should serve as foundation trades under the newly developed TVET academic standards were completely omitted, despite more than 81 skill areas already developed under the NVQF.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NATE President, Dominic Udoatan, said the gaps in the standards may be linked to what he described as incomplete consultation with the association during the development process.
According to him, “The reason for the exclusion or incomplete work on the standard is, perhaps, because the Association was not duly consulted in the course of developing the standard under the National Vocational Qualification Framework.”
Udoatan listed key engineering trades that were left out to include Foundry Craft Practice and Technology, Fabrication and Maintenance of Hospital Machineries and Equipment, and General Mechanical Work Processes that cover both manual and automation systems such as Computer Numerical Control and CAD/CAM in professional milling, machining, turning and fitting.
He also mentioned other excluded areas such as Heat Treatment, Material Testing, Corrosion Prevention, Metallurgraphy, and Industrial Instrumentation and Servicing.
“These engineering trades are of critical need right now in Nigeria,” he said. “These trades and skills which are seen as the hallmark for machine components and spare parts production in engineering, and the lifeline for techno-industrial development of industrialized and developed nations of the world are of great importance and concern to us as a body of practical engineers and technologists.”
The NATE President appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education to work closely with the association to address the gaps. He said collaboration would help in developing proper standards and syllabuses for teaching the omitted skill areas and others relevant to Nigeria’s industrial needs.
“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Ministry of Education through the Minister and the National Board for Technical Education through the Executive Secretary to partner with NATE in the development of standards and the syllabus for use in the teaching of the aforementioned areas of skills and others,” he stated.
Udoatan also spoke on the proposed Engineering Residency Programme for engineering graduates from universities and polytechnics, which the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria is set to introduce. He urged the Federal Government to provide full funding for the programme.
“This will, undoubtedly, enhance competency and proficiency in the engineering field, thereby, boosting technological growth and advancement in Nigeria, as well as improving our economy,” he said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at improving skills development, technical education and technological advancement in the country. In particular, he praised the recent decision to make technical education free in all Federal Technical Colleges.
The NATE President also welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on plans to abolish the HND and BSc dichotomy by empowering polytechnics to award degrees, known as B.Tech.
He described the move as a major achievement and said it had been widely applauded within the engineering and technical community.
“But as a professional body that sees to the affairs of engineering graduates of polytechnics in Nigeria, we wish to support the proposed reforms by the Federal Government as this would bring a lasting solution to this age long struggle,” he said. “Also, that the polytechnics should be adequately equipped and funded to discharge their new responsibilities by the Federal and State Government.”
Udoatan further appealed for the reforms to be strengthened through legal backing.
“We hereby appeal that this noble gesture should be backed up with an Executive Order from the President and an Act of Parliament from the National Assembly,” he said. “We equally appealed to the President to officially abolish the HND and BSc dichotomy, and allow the present HND holders to proceed beyond grade level 14 in their career progression while implementing the new technological education.”
He noted that harmonizing qualifications and strengthening technical education would help Nigeria unlock the full potential of its workforce, build competitive industries, and achieve inclusive economic growth.
In addition, he called on the Minister of Education and other relevant authorities to establish a Nigerian Polytechnic Commission to oversee the effective running of polytechnics nationwide.
Udoatan also urged the Federal and State governments, captains of industry, educational institutions and the media to support the reforms and work together to ensure their successful implementation.
