The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced key reforms aimed at harmonizing and strengthening the National Diploma (ND) framework across Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The move follows recent approvals granted by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON.
According to a statement by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, the National Innovation Diploma (NID) programme has been discontinued with immediate effect. “This policy seeks to establish a unified and harmonized National Diploma framework that ensures academic progression and consistency across Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Prof. Bugaje stated.
By the new directive, institutions formerly known as Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) are abolished. Institutions currently running NID programmes will be allowed to graduate their Year II students, while Year I students admitted in October 2025 may either complete the NID programme or switch to the ND equivalent.
In line with these reforms, the Minister of Education has approved the upgrade of 46 Innovation Enterprise Institutions with valid accreditation to National Diploma-awarding status. This upgrade is part of the government’s effort to create a streamlined and progressive TVET structure in Nigeria. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been informed of this development to ensure a smooth transition in the national admissions process. The list of upgraded institutions is available on the NBTE website.
In a related decision, the Minister has approved the revocation of operational licenses of 136 Innovation Enterprise Institutions whose accreditation had lapsed without renewal. These institutions will be delisted from the JAMB portal and will no longer admit students into NID programmes. However, such institutions may continue as sub-tertiary institutions if they meet the regulatory standards. The list of revoked institutions can be viewed Here.
Prof. Bugaje reaffirmed NBTE’s commitment to promoting quality assurance, institutional compliance, and expanding access to technical education. He emphasized that these reforms are designed to build a more credible, efficient, and globally competitive TVET system that supports Nigeria’s national development goals.
