The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has warned professional and examination bodies to stop issuing National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates without approval from the relevant organization.

The caution was contained in a statement issued by NBTE’s Head of Media and Publicity, Fatima Abubakar.

The NBTE board condemn the activities of certain organisations reportedly awarding ND and HND certificates in different fields. The board has described such actions as unlawful and contrary to the NBTE Establishment Act.

The statement which was published read, “The NBTE is the only body empowered by law, through the Federal Government Decree No. 9 of 1977 as amended by Act 16 of 1985, to regulate, accredit, and approve all programmes leading to the award of ND and HND certificates in Nigeria.”

Abubakar acknowledged that only accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as well as polytechnics and colleges of nursing, health, and agriculture are recognised to run such programmes.

She further noted that the board would not hesitate to take regulatory or legal action against any organisation found violating the law and urged all stakeholders to comply with existing guidelines on technical education in the country