Nigerian Polytechnic students will soon be required to get a Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) certificate before graduation.
The programme was introduced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Head of Media, Fatimah Abubakar said the initiative is in line global trends, stressing the importance of skill acquisition in polytechnic training in Nigeria.
Explaining the modus operandi of the programme, Abubakar said graduates will now receive two certificates; a National Skills Qualification (NSQ) and their diploma (ND or HND).
The NSQ certification assesses and recognizes vocational skills and competencies obtained through training programs, apprenticeships, and assessments.
According to the NBTE, the two certificates will bridge the gap between formal education and industry needs, offering benefits such as increased employability, versatility, professional recognition, and career progression.
However, due to limited skills training facilities in polytechnics, the NBTE will introduce the MSQ requirement in phases until it is able to cover all grounds.
HND students with an NSQ can enroll in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training as an alternative to another NSQ, providing valuable workplace certification.
