Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Bonny Partners with NBTE to Deepen Skill Acquisition Through TVET
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The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, hosted a sensitization workshop on the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ), in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The program was organized through the Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to strengthen skill acquisition and dual certification for students.
A consortium of experts from NBTE, led by the Director of NBTE South-South Zone, Mr Cyril Mbong, delivered the sensitization lecture, emphasizing the national focus on “Skills, Not Degrees” as the pathway to improved employability and economic development.
The Rector, Dr Victor Okolobah, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of dual certification, stressing that skill acquisition remains critical for economic empowerment and workforce readiness. He noted that the sensitization program was a major step toward aligning the Polytechnic’s training with industry standards and national development goals.
According to the Public Relations Officer, Anthony Ogbe (SAR)(MCAI), the workshop was well-attended by principal officers, deans, directors, heads of departments and units, the Students’ Union Government, and staff of the Polytechnic. He explained that the initiative reflects Management’s commitment to equipping students with practical and market-relevant skills.
Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF):
- Purpose: Provides a nationally consistent framework for skills, linking education and training to industry needs.
- Function: Establishes clear pathways for skill development, ensures quality, and enables progression across qualification levels.
- Focus: Outcomes-based approach defined by competencies an individual should possess.
National Skill Qualification (NSQ):
- Nature: A certificate awarded upon meeting NSQF standards.
- Content: Demonstrates both theoretical knowledge and practical ability for specific job roles.
Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ):
- Context: A compulsory skill acquisition program for Nigerian polytechnic students.
- Goal: Enhances employability by ensuring graduates possess workplace skills in addition to academic qualifications.
- Example: HND students can enroll in Quality Assurance Assessor (QAA) training, equipping them with industry-ready skills.
The sensitization workshop marks another milestone in the Polytechnic’s drive to prepare students for contemporary socio-economic realities through effective collaboration and partnerships.
