NBTE warns against illegal award of ND, HND certificates

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has raised concerns over the activities of some professional and examination bodies allegedly issuing National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates without legal authority. In a circular released by NBTE spokesperson, Fatima Abubakar, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, the Board expressed […]

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has raised concerns over the activities of some professional and examination bodies allegedly issuing National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates without legal authority.

In a circular released by NBTE spokesperson, Fatima Abubakar, and signed by the Executive Secretary, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, the Board expressed concern over the activities of certain organisations allegedly designing, conducting, and awarding ND and HND certificates in various disciplines without legal backing.

The Board described the practice as a violation of its mandate, warning that only accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are authorized to run such programmes.

According to the circular, NBTE remains the sole body empowered by law — under the Federal Government Decree No. 9 of 1977, amended by Act 16 of 1985 — to approve, accredit, and regulate all programmes leading to the award of ND and HND certificates in Nigeria.

It added that polytechnics, colleges of nursing sciences, colleges of health, colleges of agriculture, and other specialized institutions must meet prescribed standards before offering diploma programmes.

The Board warned that it would not hesitate to take regulatory and legal action against any body found engaging in such illegal practices, urging stakeholders and the public to ensure strict compliance with established regulations.