The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, has clarified that the board’s slogan, “Skills not Degrees,” aims to encourage Nigerian youths to prioritize skill acquisition over merely obtaining certificates. Bugaje made this explanation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He emphasized that the slogan does not discredit university degrees in favor of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Instead, it underscores the importance of combining skills with degrees to enhance employability. Bugaje stated that possessing skills alongside or even without a degree can lead to better job opportunities, whereas having a degree without relevant skills may result in limited employability.
Bugaje urged Nigerian youths to pursue skills training and qualifications alongside their degrees, highlighting that skills are essential for global labor markets and industry relevance. He advocated for a dual qualification approach where universities offer bachelor’s degrees alongside National Skills Qualification degrees to promote self-reliance through skill labor.
The NBTE Executive Secretary also called for practical skill programs in polytechnics and Federal Colleges of Education, in addition to traditional diplomas and certificates, to prepare graduates for self-employment and industry demands.
Bugaje discussed the recently introduced HND to B.Sc. top-up program, which aims to facilitate career advancement for HND holders. He emphasized that this initiative addresses the historical disparity between HND and bachelor’s degrees and aims to alleviate the challenges HND holders have faced. Bugaje encouraged HND holders to pursue higher education, including master’s and doctoral degrees, to further enhance their qualifications.
In summary, Prof. Idris Bugaje clarified that the NBTE’s “Skills not Degrees” slogan promotes the value of skill acquisition alongside degrees, highlighting the significance of skills in the modern job market and industry demands. He also discussed the importance of the HND to B.Sc. top-up program in advancing the qualifications of HND holders.