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| Prof. Idris Bugaje |
KADUNA – The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been plunged into a state of "disquiet" following the controversial two-week tenure extension of its Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje.
Prof. Bugaje’s official five-year term expired on March 14, 2026, yet he remains in office, leading staff to question the legality of his stay and the transparency of the board's leadership.
The AI Scandal: A "Digital" Deception?
Tension reached a breaking point when an AI-generated image began circulating among staff and social media. The fake photo purportedly shows the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presenting a letter of reappointment from President Bola Tinubu to Prof. Bugaje.
Staff members have described this as a desperate attempt to "arm-twist" the presidency into renewing his tenure.
The Power Tussle: Minister vs. President
Internal memos suggest that while the Minister of Education has submitted a memo for Bugaje’s second term, he also granted a "two-week extension" in the interim. However, under Nigerian public service rules, the appointment or renewal of heads of federal agencies is an exclusive prerogative of the President.
Allegations of "Backdoor" Recruitments and Outsourcing
Beyond the tenure drama, staff members have leveled serious allegations against Prof. Bugaje’s administration:
- Secret Recruitments: Allegations that over 150 staff have been hired "through the backdoor" without public vacancy advertisements.
- Outsourced Mandates: Core quality assurance functions of the NBTE—usually handled by internal experts—have reportedly been outsourced to external vendors, some of whom are construction or health providers with no experience in technical education.
- Staff Redundancy: Long-term staff claim to have been rendered redundant while their career growth is suppressed in favor of new, non-vetted hires.
What is the NBTE?
The NBTE is the vital regulatory body responsible for overseeing technical and vocational education in Nigeria, including all polytechnics, monotechnics, and technical colleges.
Key Takeaways for Information Hub Readers:
- Expiry: Prof. Bugaje’s tenure officially ended March 14, 2026.
- Controversy: Use of AI-generated imagery to claim a presidential reappointment.
- Legality: Staff question if a Minister has the power to extend a term meant for the President to decide.
- Staff Plea: Employees are calling for a "competent fresh hand" to save the agency from further damage.
