The Federal Government has unveiled new degree and Higher National Diploma programmes in artificial intelligence and related technologies.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, announced the initiative in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Under the new scheme, Nigerian polytechnics will offer dedicated courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and computer networking.
The move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to align the country’s technical education with global trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Polytechnics have historically focused on generic National Diplomas and HNDs, but the new framework “unbundles” these programmes into specialised skill areas.
Prof. Bugaje explained that students will now choose focused pathways rather than broad-based courses that cover too many topics superficially.
He said the change will help graduates gain in-demand skills and improve their chances of finding quality jobs both at home and abroad.
To oversee quality and fairness, the NBTE has rolled out a digital accreditation platform powered by artificial intelligence.
This platform automatically checks college and polytechnic compliance with academic standards across all participating institutions.
If a lecturer appears listed on multiple websites, the system flags the record for human review to prevent faculty duplication and fraud.
Institutions must now upload detailed inventories of their laboratories, equipment, and teaching staff onto a central online portal.
This digital record-keeping replaces most physical inspection visits, saving time and cutting travel costs for accreditation teams.
Prof. Bugaje said rural colleges with poor internet access will still undergo independent assessments by accredited third-party inspectors.
These vendors will conduct on-site visits and submit digital reports to the NBTE for final approval or rejection of programmes.
All accreditation and programme standards are guided by the Minimum National Academic Standards, which set clear requirements for facilities and staff.
The NBTE expects the new system to curb corruption in accreditation and raise the academic integrity of technical institutions.
Nigeria’s leading polytechnics have long struggled with underfunding, obsolete equipment, and uneven teaching quality.
By embedding AI tools into governance, the government hopes to build trust in technical education and attract more private investment.
Nigeria’s past efforts to modernise polytechnics met stiff resistance from some school administrators and staff unions.
Critics worried that rapid change would lead to job losses for lecturers or favour better-funded urban schools.
To address these concerns, the NBTE has held nationwide workshops to train academic leaders and faculty on the new framework.
Over the next six months, trainers will visit each of Nigeria’s 50 federal and state polytechnics to explain the digital accreditation process.
The World Bank and several development partners have offered technical assistance to support the digital transformation of vocational training.
Experts say Nigeria risks falling behind other emerging economies if it does not rapidly scale up STEM and technology education.
In neighbouring Ghana, for example, universities already offer master’s degrees in data science and machine learning.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s major cities host coding bootcamps and innovation hubs that feed talent directly into tech startups.
Nigeria’s youth make up nearly 60 percent of the population, but unemployment among graduates remains high.
The Federal Government sees investment in technical skills as a way to reduce graduate joblessness and boost economic growth.
In his speech, Prof. Bugaje noted that artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, from agriculture to finance.
He said Nigeria must prepare its young people to design, build, and manage AI systems rather than simply use them.
To this end, the NBTE is partnering with leading technology firms to develop course materials and deliver guest lectures.
Microsoft, Google, and a consortium of Nigerian fintech startups have agreed to share online training resources with polytechnic students.
These companies will also offer internship placements to graduates of the new programmes later this year.
In addition to AI and cybersecurity, the NBTE will launch short-course modules in cloud computing, big data analytics, and Internet of Things applications.
These modular certificates can be stacked toward full diplomas, allowing working professionals to upskill without quitting their jobs.
The government plans to extend the stackable credential system to craft apprenticeship schemes in traditional trades such as carpentry and auto mechanics.
This hybrid model aims to bridge the gap between informal apprenticeship and formal technical education.
The Nigerian Cybersecurity Commission estimates that cybercrime costs the nation over $1 billion annually.
By training more qualified cybersecurity experts, the government hopes to harden critical infrastructure and financial systems.
Education experts note that successful implementation will require significant funding for internet connectivity and laboratory upgrades.
Prof. Bugaje acknowledged that many polytechnics still rely on slow mobile networks and outdated computer labs.
He said the Ministry of Education will prioritise broadband expansion to government campuses over the next budget cycle.
Local governments are also being asked to co-fund equipment purchases under the new policy framework.
Many state governors have responded positively, promising to allocate part of their education budgets to hardware and software.
The NBTE has set a deadline of December 2025 for all polytechnics to comply with the new digital accreditation system.
Any institution that fails to meet the requirements risks losing approval to offer National Diploma or HND programmes.
Prof. Bugaje warned that the transition may be challenging but insisted it is essential for national development.
He cited the success of Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, which boosted GDP by integrating technology into education.
“In today’s world, you cannot separate technology from economic progress,” he said.
“Nigeria has no choice but to embed AI and digital skills into its education system if we want to compete globally.”
Share
Read more