15. September 2025
Admin
ASUP to Meet NBTE over Plan to Degrade Polytechnic Lecturers
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced it will meet with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to address a controversial policy reportedly aimed at downgrading some polytechnic lecturers who do not hold master’s or doctoral degrees. ([Punch NG](https://punchng.com/asup-to-meet-nbte-over-plan-to-degrade-lecturers/))
Headline Facts:
- NBTE issued a directive giving **three years** for *Principal Lecturers* in polytechnics to obtain **doctoral degrees**, else face consequences.
- ASUP is calling for dialogue, emphasizing fairness, recognition of experience, and gradual implementation.
What NBTE’s Policy Seeks to Do
- Enforce higher academic qualifications (PhD) for the highest lecturer ranks (Principal Lecturer level).
- Possibly reclassify or demote lecturers who do not meet the new qualifications. :
- Align polytechnic academic standards to global expectations, perhaps to strengthen accreditation and reputation.
Concerns Raised by ASUP & Others
- Many lecturers feel this is unfair to long-serving staff whose expertise is practical rather than purely academic.
- Some fear job losses or reclassification to lower pay/less prestige.
- Issues with access: not all lecturers have equal opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees (costs, time, resources).
- Possible decline in morale, disruptions in teaching, or brain drain if lecturers move to other sectors.
What Happens Next?
- ASUP and NBTE meeting: likely to involve negotiations over timelines, exceptions, and support systems.
- Potential for phased implementation, with transitional allowances for lecturers to upgrade qualifications without penalty.
- Possibility of government or NBTE stepping in to fund or subsidize doctoral programmes.
Reminder: Any changes to lecturer status or classification must be transparent and fair. Watch for official documents and timelines from NBTE. Experience and expertise should not be overlooked.
