NBTE Vows Crackdown on Fake Polytechnics to Safeguard Quality Education in Nigeria

Abeokuta, Nigeria — The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating fake and unaccredited institutions falsely parading as polytechnics across the country. The move is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen quality assurance in tertiary education and ensure that students receive industry-relevant training.

The declaration was made by the NBTE’s Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes, Dr. Fatimah Kabir Umar, during an accreditation visit to Harvarde College of Science, Business and Management Studies, Obada, Abeokuta.

NBTE’s Zero Tolerance for “Mushroom” Polytechnics

Dr. Umar condemned the rise of “mushroom entities” claiming polytechnic status without meeting NBTE’s rigorous standards. She emphasized that such institutions undermine students’ futures and compromise the government’s vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria.

“We have been fighting against mushroom entities calling themselves what they are not. We won’t stop fighting such establishments in the interest of safeguarding the nation’s education system,” she said.

She added that although challenges persist, polytechnic education in Nigeria remains on the right path, contributing significantly to skills acquisition, innovation, and national development.

Polytechnic Education as a Driver of Skills and Innovation

Highlighting the unique role of polytechnics, Dr. Umar stressed that knowledge must be backed by execution.

“Yes, knowledge is good, but we can’t put all our eggs in one basket. Polytechnic education has been leading in practical execution, which is why it remains relevant in building a more prosperous nation,” she noted.

During the visit, NBTE officials inspected and accredited programmes in science and management disciplines, including:

• Business Administration

• Computer Science (with specializations such as Software Development and Cybersecurity)

• Other emerging technology-focused courses

Umar commended Harvarde College for its strong facilities and infrastructure, while urging lecturers to pursue continuous professional development by joining relevant associations, publishing research, and attending conferences.

Accreditation Visit to Harvarde College

The Provost and Founder of Harvarde College, Dr. Oluwatosin Adebayo, explained that NBTE’s accreditation exercise is conducted every two years to uphold quality assurance.

According to him, the current accreditation covered both resource inspection and programme approvals across about eight courses, including:

• Film and Multimedia Production

• Journalism and Media Studies

• Accountancy

• Business Administration

• Law

• Networking and Cloud Computing

• Software and Web Development

Additionally, NBTE assessed HND programmes, such as Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Science, now unbundled into specialized areas. This ensures graduates qualify for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

“We are confident because we have been operating in line with NBTE’s standards. This visit reassures students and parents that our qualifications are credible and nationally recognized,” Dr. Adebayo said.

NBTE Commends Harvarde College

Dr. Umar praised the college’s management for complementing the federal government’s efforts in delivering quality technical and vocational education. She encouraged the institution to maintain high standards and continue investing in excellence.

“Institutions like Harvarde College are showing that private schools can stand strong in driving Nigeria’s education sector forward,” she added.

Key Takeaways

• NBTE intensifies crackdown on fake polytechnics operating without accreditation.

• Polytechnic education remains central to skills acquisition and national development.

• Harvarde College undergoes NBTE accreditation, covering science, management, and technology programmes.

• NBTE urges lecturers to pursue professional growth to match global education standards.

✅ With NBTE’s renewed commitment to monitoring and accreditation, Nigeria is taking firm steps to protect students from unaccredited institutions and strengthen its technical education system for the future.