2024 Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria (2025 Update)

The Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria has undergone significant reforms in 2024, designed to streamline recruitment, promotion, and employment processes across the polytechnic system.

The new Scheme of Service, launched in June 2024, marks a major shift in how academic and non-academic staff will be managed moving forward.

For employees at federal polytechnics nationwide, the new employment framework offers a clear, unified guide for job roles, pay scales, promotions, and additional benefits.

These changes aim to enhance educational quality, improve staff professionalism, and recognize the distinctive contributions of polytechnic alumni.

What is a Scheme of service?

A scheme of service is a document outlining the responsibilities, admission requirements, and chances for promotion in the public sector. It also outlines the salaries and cadres for each grade.

This pivotal document regulates the structure, hiring practices, and career progression of staff within Federal Polytechnics.

It establishes a consistent approach to recruitment and career advancement while integrating new qualification standards into the polytechnic system.

The paper is consistent with Federal Government principles, with a specific reference to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which regulates polytechnic education.

Advantages of the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria

The Scheme of Service boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative services across councils by:

• Attracting talented individuals with the right skills, ambition, and integrity.
• Ensuring consistency in work standards and procedures across all councils.
• Setting clear qualification requirements to maintain high professional standards.
• Encouraging career growth through structured guidance and support.

Here is a thorough examination of the scheme of service for federal polytechnics components and structure.

Summary Overview of the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria

Key pieces of information:

1. Schemes of Service Approval:

• • The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved new Schemes of Service for the polytechnic sector in 2024.
  • Proposals for amendments to grey areas have been sent to the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan.

2. Recognition of HND Holders:

• • For the first time, HND holders are recognized as Graduate Assistants, similar to their university counterparts.

3. Doctorate Degree Requirement for Senior Positions:

• • Principal and Chief Lecturers must hold Doctorate degrees. This is non-negotiable to maintain parity between universities and polytechnics.
  • Academics who previously sought refuge in polytechnics to avoid pursuing a doctorate will no longer have that option.

4. Amendments and Concerns:

• • Some areas in the Scheme of Service require amendments, such as:
    • Dichotomy against HND holders in other cadres.
    • Omission of certain cadres in the Scheme.
    • Promotion skipping for all cadres, like in other tertiary institutions.
    • Reducing the waiting period for promotions beyond three years.

5. NSQ (Nigerian Skills Qualification):

• • NSQ (Nigerian Skills Qualification) is a formal requirement for lecturers’ promotion, contrary to objections raised by ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics).
  • From 2024, all Polytechnic students must complete a Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ) before graduation.
  • The NSQ ensures that lecturers have both academic knowledge and hands-on skills.

6. Federal vs. State Polytechnics:

• • The new Scheme of Service applies strictly to Federal Polytechnics.
  • The NBTE cannot impose the Scheme on state polytechnics as education falls under the concurrent list in the Constitution.
  • State polytechnics’ accreditations will focus solely on academic programs to maintain standards.

7. ASUP (Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics):

• • ASUP’s focus is now reduced to state polytechnics, and the new Scheme of Service does not apply to them.
  • In 2022, ASUP petitioned NBTE, leading to the withdrawal of the operational license of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, for unpaid staff salaries for 36 months.

8. NBTE’s Acknowledgment:

• • The NBTE acknowledges constructive criticism from NAPS (National Association of Polytechnic Students), SSANIP, NASU, and FEPASU regarding the new Schemes and promises to resolve them before full implementation.

9. Appeal for Tenure Extension:

• • The NBTE has requested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extend the tenure of the current Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, to complete the Scheme of Service for the Polytechnic sector before her retirement.

Objectives of the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria

The Federal Polytechnics Scheme of Service’s primary goals are as follows:

1. Ensuring Professionalism: To encourage competence, ethical standards, and professional integrity among polytechnic employees.

2. Career Development: To give polytechnic employees clear career pathways and criteria for advancement.

3. Efficient Service Provision: To enhance the efficacy and efficiency of polytechnic management by implementing a clearly defined human resource framework.

4. Alignment with National Standards: To make sure the polytechnic system satisfies international standards as well as national educational objectives.

Salary Structure

The salary structure for polytechnic staff follows the guidelines set by the Federal Government, which is typically aligned with the salary structure for civil servants in Nigeria.

The pay scale for polytechnic staff is determined based on their rank and academic qualifications.

For example, higher-ranking staff such as Chief Lecturers and Principal Lecturers receive higher salaries compared to lower ranks like Assistant Lecturers and Administrative Officers.

However, salary adjustments are periodically made based on federal government policies, inflation, and other factors.

Staff Structure

Employees are categorized under the scheme of service according to their employment duties, level of education, and experience. Usually, the categories consist of:

Academic Staff: These are the main instructors in charge of instructing the students. They are separated into many grade levels:

• Assistant Lecturer (AL): Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Lecturer II (L2): Requires a Master’s degree and at least a few years of experience.
• Lecturer I (L1): Requires a Master’s degree with more years of teaching experience or a Ph.D.
• Senior Lecturer: Requires a Ph.D. and substantial experience in teaching and research.
• Principal Lecturer: The highest academic position, requiring significant experience and contributions to the institution.
• Chief Lecturer: The most senior academic role, often including managerial responsibilities.
• Research and Development Staff: These staff members are involved in scientific and applied research to support the polytechnic’s goals of innovation and community development.

Non-Academic Staff: These are non-teaching staff that handle the administrative duties.

• Administrative Officers: They perform administrative tasks, such as managing student records, handling office operations, and coordinating services within the polytechnic.
• Technologists: They provide technical support, particularly in laboratories and workshops. These roles typically require specialized training or qualifications in various fields like engineering, science, or IT.
• Library Officers: Staff who manage the polytechnic library, ensuring the proper organization and accessibility of learning materials.
• Support Staff: These include roles like clerks, drivers, cleaners, and security personnel, who ensure smooth operations of the polytechnic.
• Health and Safety Officers: In charge of maintaining safe working and learning environments, ensuring that health and safety standards are adhered to.

Recruitment and Appointment

Typically, the polytechnic’s needs, credentials, and merit are taken into consideration while hiring new employees.

Particularly, academic staff need to fulfill certain qualifications, such as holding relevant degrees and professional certifications.

Professional credentials and expertise in administrative, technical, or support services are the main criteria for hiring non-academic workers.

It adheres to the conventional process for hiring public servants, which consists of:

• Posting of job openings
• Submission of an application
• Interviews and screening
• Appointment and selection by a specified committee or the governing council

Promotion and Career Progression

Career progression within the scheme is based on merit, job performance, and continuous professional development.

Staff are promoted according to their job performance, fulfillment of academic qualifications, or additional certifications.

The promotion ladder typically progresses as follows:

• Academic Staff: From Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer I, Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, and finally Chief Lecturer.
• Non-Academic Staff: Progression occurs through various administrative and technical grades based on competence and job experience.

Specific Criteria to Facilitate Promotions for Staff in the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics

• Successful completion of a probationary period.
• Attainment of higher qualifications (e.g., higher degrees, certifications).
• Evidence of significant professional contributions (e.g., publications, workshops, and research).
• Regular assessment of job performance.

Leave and Benefits

Staff workers are entitled to a variety of leave choices and benefits under the scheme:

• Annual Leave: Personnel members are entitled to an annual leave time, which normally lasts 30 days for academic personnel and 21 days for non-academic staff.
• Sick Leave: Employees who are sick may be awarded sick leave, with medical certificates required for long-term illnesses.
• Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to maternity leave under the Federal Government’s public service regulations.
• Pension and Gratuity: After retirement, employees are entitled to pension benefits and a gratuity based on their years of service.
• Health Insurance: Some polytechnics offer health insurance or allowances to employees.

Disciplinary and Ethical Guidelines

The Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics sets the ethical standards and disciplinary procedures that employees must follow.

Any infractions of institutional policies, misconduct, or unethical behavior may result in disciplinary procedures, such as suspension or dismissal.

Training and Professional Development

The strategy promotes continuous professional growth for all employees. Regular training programs, workshops, and conferences are held to improve the professional and technical abilities of polytechnic employees.

This is especially crucial for academic workers, who are expected to conduct research, attend academic conferences, and publish scholarly articles.

Challenges in the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria

While the Scheme of Service is designed to improve efficiency and professionalism, various problems limit its complete implementation, including:

• Underfunding: Polytechnics often face financial constraints, which can affect staff welfare and the implementation of the scheme.
• Staff Shortage: Inadequate recruitment or retention of qualified staff, particularly in technical and specialized fields, can lead to overwork and a reduction in the quality of education.
• Inconsistent Policy Implementation: Variations in the interpretation of the scheme across polytechnics can cause discrepancies in recruitment, promotion, and staff welfare.

Recommendations

Recommendations to improve the Scheme of Service include:

• Increased funding: to increase facilities, resources, and employee remuneration.
• Regular reviews: To keep the plan current with changes in educational needs and national legislation.
• Enhanced professional development: Ensuring that employees’ skills and certifications are regularly upgraded.

Critical Changes Brought by the New Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics

A key change in the Scheme of Service for federal polytechnics is the recognition of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders as Graduate Assistants, ensuring parity with their university counterparts.

This eliminates the segregation between HND and Bachelor’s degree holders. The Instructor cadre, which previously differentiated HND holders from degree holders, has been abolished.

Additionally, the Technician cadre is now integrated into the Technologist cadre, allowing National Diploma (ND) holders to be appointed as Assistant Technologists.

A focus on advanced degrees, particularly for senior academic roles, is another notable change. For example, a PhD is now required for promotion to Principal or Chief Lecturer positions.

The regulation also aims to deter universities from sending underqualified faculty to polytechnics.

The changes streamline hiring and advancement procedures for staff across federal, state, and private polytechnics, and raise the professional standards of polytechnic employees.

Significant updates in the Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics

Other updates include the removal of the Instructor cadre, the integration of the Technician cadre into the Technologist cadre, and clearer career progression pathways.

Positions like Senior Lecturers and above now require National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) compliance.

These adjustments seek to streamline the recruitment and promotion processes, benefiting both staff and students.

These adjustments aim to unify the recruitment and promotion processes, creating a more streamlined system that benefits both staff and students.

Salary Scale of Federal Polytechnic Lecturers in Nigeria

1. Lecturer Rank and Monthly Salary:

• Graduate Assistant: ₦99,768
• Assistant Lecturer: ₦114,464
• Lecturer II: ₦130,003
• Lecturer I: ₦163,709
• Senior Lecturer: ₦231,393
• Associate Professor: ₦281,867
• Professor: ₦342,442

2. Salary by Years of Experience:

• 0-2 years: ₦281,000
• 2-5 years: ₦345,000 (23% increase)
• 5-10 years: ₦489,000 (42% increase)
• 10-15 years: ₦572,000 (17% increase)
• 15-20 years: ₦629,000 (10% increase)
• 20+ years: ₦665,000 (6% increase)

Conclusion

The new Scheme of Service for federal polytechnics has generated significant discussion, with the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) raising concerns about its implementation.

Despite opposition, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) maintains that the scheme will enhance the quality of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

The Scheme of Service regulates hiring, career advancement, and duties for employees across Nigerian federal polytechnics.

A major revision now allows HND holders to be appointed as Graduate Assistants, eliminating the previous restriction preventing HND graduates from teaching.

This change aims to promote equity in hiring and promotion practices across all Nigerian polytechnics.

FAQs on the 2024 Scheme of Service for Federal Polytechnics

1. What is the 2024 Scheme of Service?

A framework regulating hiring, promotion, and duties of employees at federal polytechnics in Nigeria.

2. What’s the major change for HND holders?

HND holders can now be appointed as Graduate Assistants, removing the distinction between HND and degree holders.

3. Are there new qualifications for senior academic staff?

Yes. Principal/Chief Lecturers must now have a Doctorate degree, a non-negotiable requirement.

4. What changes were made to staff cadres?

The Instructor cadre was abolished, and the Technician merged with the Technologist cadre. ND holders can now be appointed as Assistant Technologists.

5. What is the role of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ)?

Senior Lecturers and above must meet NSQ standards to ensure academic and practical competency.

6. How does the Scheme affect recruitment and promotion?

It streamlines the process, making it more efficient and equitable across federal, state, and private polytechnics.

7. How will these changes improve polytechnic education?

The scheme enhances staff professionalism and education quality by promoting higher qualifications and skills standards.

8. What is the 2024 polytechnic scheme of service?

The 2024 Scheme is a groundbreaking shift, recognizing HND holders as Graduate Assistants for the first time, just like their university counterparts in polytechnics.

It also mandates that Principal/Chief Lecturers must hold Doctorate degrees, and this requirement is non-negotiable.