The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a rejoinder over a circular reportedly released by the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), which claimed the creation of an “NBTE–NAPS Accreditation and Verification Taskforce Committee.”
In a statement, the Board made it clear that it has never authorized such a move. According to the NBTE, “NBTE has not at any time approved, endorsed, or authorized the formation of any joint taskforce committee with NAPS or any student body for the purpose of accreditation and verification.”
The Board explained that the statutory role of accreditation, verification, and quality assurance in Polytechnics, Monotechnics, and allied institutions rests solely with NBTE as mandated by law. It stressed that these duties cannot be delegated or shared with external groups.
Describing the NAPS circular as “misleading, unauthorized, and should be disregarded,” the Board advised stakeholders, institutions, and the public to treat the publication as false.
The NBTE also distanced itself from the claims in the circular. “Any individual or group parading themselves as members of such committee are doing so without the knowledge, consent, or approval of NBTE, and stakeholders are advised not to engage with them in any capacity,” the statement read.
The Board emphasized its commitment to its statutory mandate of regulating Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria, noting that it will continue to operate with integrity, professionalism, and due process in line with the laws establishing it.