In a significant move towards aligning its educational system with global technological advancements, the Federal Government has introduced specialized Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking initiative, along with new HND programs in cybersecurity, software engineering, and networking, was announced by Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Prof. Bugaje highlighted this development as a major achievement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly as it marks its second year in office. He emphasized that the introduction of these cutting-edge programs is part of a broader strategy to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The ultimate goal is to equip young Nigerians with the essential digital skills required to thrive in the modern, technology-driven economy.

"We have unbundled the traditional HND programmes into more specific skill areas," Bugaje explained, detailing the structural changes within the technical education framework. He added that these changes are already being implemented under the Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which now offers even more specialized training modules in these critical technological domains.

The expansion into AI and other emerging technologies extends beyond just academic offerings. Prof. Bugaje revealed that digital tools are now intricately integrated into the governance and oversight mechanisms of technical institutions. A prime example of this is the deployment of a digital accreditation platform, powered by AI, designed to monitor compliance with academic standards, identify faculty duplications, and combat malpractice. "If a lecturer appears on multiple polytechnic websites, the AI system will flag it," Bugaje stated, underscoring how this innovation will bolster integrity in the accreditation process.

Under this new digital accreditation system, institutions are mandated to upload comprehensive details about their facilities, equipment, and faculty onto a centralized digital platform. This innovative approach significantly reduces the need for physical inspections for most accreditations, leading to substantial cost savings, reduced risks, and a curbing of manipulative practices in the process. For institutions located in remote rural areas lacking reliable internet infrastructure, a temporary alternative has been provided: accredited vendors will conduct assessments and submit reports to the NBTE for program approval or rejection.

Prof. Bugaje clarified that this digital shift in accreditation is guided by the Minimum National Academic Standards (MNAS), which meticulously outline specific requirements for every National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) program, encompassing facilities, faculty qualifications, and equipment. He asserted that this digital accreditation initiative, coupled with the introduction of advanced technology programs, is meticulously designed to enhance the relevance of Nigerian polytechnics in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Ultimately, these strategic advancements are geared towards enabling Nigeria to harness technology to boost its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), drawing inspiration from the successes of Southeast Asian nations that have effectively leveraged technology for economic growth. "Nigeria has no choice but to embed technology in education and economic development," Prof. Bugaje emphasized, asserting that this is the indispensable path to unlocking growth and prosperity in the digital age.