In a major leap toward digital transformation, the Federal Government has launched specialised Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Networking.
The initiative, announced by Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), aligns Nigeria’s education system with global technology trends and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Reforming Technical Education for the Future
Bugaje said the introduction of these technology-focused HND courses is part of a broader strategy to equip Nigerian youths with relevant digital skills for today’s economy.
“We have unbundled the traditional HND programmes into more specific skill areas. This is already being implemented,” he noted.
The development comes as Nigeria deepens its engagement with emerging technologies and responds to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
AI-Powered Accreditation System Now Operational
Bugaje revealed that NBTE has also deployed a digital accreditation platform powered by Artificial Intelligence to monitor institutions’ compliance with academic standards.
“If a lecturer appears on multiple polytechnic websites, the AI system will flag it. This will help us maintain integrity in the accreditation process,” he explained.
Institutions are now mandated to upload data on facilities, faculty, and equipment onto a centralized digital platform, reducing the need for physical inspections and significantly cutting costs.
For schools in rural areas lacking internet access, NBTE has engaged accredited third-party vendors to carry out physical assessments, which are submitted digitally for final review.
Minimum National Academic Standards (MNAS) Still Apply
Bugaje assured that despite the digital shift, all accreditations are still guided by the Minimum National Academic Standards (MNAS), which specify requirements for both ND and HND programmes.
Towards a Digital Economy
Bugaje praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for supporting educational innovation, stating:
“Nigeria has no choice but to embed technology in education and economic development. This is how we can unlock growth and prosperity in the digital age.”
He added that by investing in technical education and using digital tools to enhance transparency and efficiency, Nigeria could emulate Southeast Asian economies in boosting GDP through technology.
