FG suspends new polytechnic, monotechnic applications for one year

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has approved a one-year suspension on new applications for polytechnics and monotechnics, except for health institutions facing low enrollment challenges.

This decision was announced in a statement by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, on Thursday in Kaduna.

Bugaje stated that the moratorium, effective immediately, halts all new applications for polytechnics and monotechnics for the next 12 months. However, institutions currently undergoing assessment must pay designated fees to proceed with their registration.

“Polytechnics awaiting ministerial approval will be required to pay an application fee of N4 million and a processing fee of N2 million per programme,” Bugaje said.

“Monotechnics will pay an application fee of N2 million and a processing fee of N1 million per programme. Payments must be made within 30 days, or the registration process will be terminated.

“New health institutions, exempted from the moratorium, will pay the same fees as monotechnics for registration.”

According to Bugaje, the measure aims to ensure that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions maintain adequate student populations within their approved capacities.