Skill Development Centre (SDC) Directorate

Empowering Nigerians with internationally recognized vocational skills and certifications for self-reliance and global competitiveness.

Skill Development Centre Directorate

NSQ Training Programme Now in Session

The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), proudly announces the commencement of the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) Training Programme — a bold step that aligns with the new national education policy direction of Nigeria.

This programme represents a new normal in education, where skills, competence, and productivity are placed on equal footing with conventional academic pathways.

NSQF Level 9: Skills Equivalent to a Ph.D.

Highest National Recognition: Under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), Level 9 of the NSQ Training Programme is officially recognized as equivalent to an academic Ph.D.

Official Documentation: This equivalence is clearly stated in the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Handbook (2023).

Practical Mastery Valued: This means that practical expertise and mastery of skills now receive the highest form of national and professional recognition.

Important Announcement

Empowering Skilled Nigerians – No WAEC Required

Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, the NSQ/NVQ Certification Programme has opened doors for skilled Nigerians without formal academic requirements.

Carpenters

Bricklayers

Blacksmiths

Welders

Plumbers

Electricians

Foundry Craftsmen

Artisans & Master Craftsmen

Participants can now earn skills qualifications and certifications equivalent to academic degrees and professional diplomas — without the requirement of WAEC or School Certificate.

9

NSQF Levels

50+

Trade Areas

6 Mo

Minimum Duration

Leadership That Makes the Difference

This historic achievement is made possible under the dynamic, innovative, and pragmatic leadership of our Rector - Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkem Igbokwe, whose commitment to skills development, youth empowerment, and institutional excellence continues to position Federal Polytechnic Nekede at the forefront of national transformation.

At Federal Polytechnic Nekede, the Polytechnic that leads while others follow, this opportunity is now fully accessible to the people of the South-East and beyond.

Immense Benefits of the NSQ/NVQ Programme

Global Recognition

Internationally recognized professional qualifications beyond Nigeria and Africa.

Government Support

Access to government grants, loans, starter packs, machines, and equipment to establish small-scale industries.

Employment Ready

Employment readiness, self-reliance, and lifelong relevance in a competitive global economy.

Double Qualification

Students graduate with both academic and vocational qualifications, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship.

Double Qualification Advantage for Students

Students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede now have the unique opportunity to graduate with dual qualifications:

Academic Qualification

Your traditional polytechnic certificate (ND/HND) in your chosen field of study.

Mandatory Vocational Qualification (MVQ)

Professional skills certification in your chosen trade area, recognized nationally and internationally.

This combination significantly enhances employability, entrepreneurship, and career mobility.

Skills for All – Building a Productive Society

The programme is open to everyone seeking practical, income-generating skills:

Clerks & Secretaries

Administrators & Personnel Officers

Technicians & Technologists

Engineers

Polytechnic Community Members

Youth Seeking Practical Skills

Through this initiative, youth idleness and social dependency will be drastically reduced, while productivity, dignity of labour, and economic empowerment are promoted.

NSQ Programme Guidelines

MODE OF APPLICATION

Application can be done online or by payment at the micro finance bank.

PAYMENT METHOD

This should also be done online or to the micro finance bank and later converted to school receipt at the bursary.

PERIOD OF CERTIFICATION

A minimum of 6 months is allocated to each level.

RECOGNITION

The certificate is both nationally and internationally recognized and can offer you a job anywhere in the world (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, etc.) as a trained professional.

AWARDING BODY

Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) are the awarding body.

ACCOUNT DETAILS

Account Name: Skill Development Center (SDC)
Account Number: 110075929

Guide to NSQ Levels

Entry Qualification: For those coming to join the training program without any practical experience in that particular skill or trade area, their entry point should be from Level 1 irrespective of whatever academic qualification they might already have.

Prior Learning Experience (PLE) Test: If you have certification in the skill you have applied for, a PLE test shall be conducted to determine which level you can be placed based on your performance test result.

Placement Criteria: Placement does not consider your academic degree possession but rather your practical experience in your skill area.

A trade's person or a master craft person with cognate experience in their skill area can earn Level 6 certification in less than 6 months of additional training.

Certification Basis: Certification in this program depends on your ability to master the given standards in your skill area/trade. You will be handed the standards you are expected to cover and master within the timeframe of six months as you commence the training program.

Flexible Testing: If you complete your standards in three months or less and want to be tested, that will be arranged for you immediately.

Contact & Enquiries

For more information and registration details, please contact us through any of the following channels:

Website

https://fpno.edu.ng/sdc-directorate

Visit Us

Directorate of Skill Development Centre (SDC)
Federal Polytechnic Nekede

Phone

0803 313 0795

Or visit: The ICT Centre of the Institution

SDC Directorate: Some student trainees taking instructions from the Director SDC, Engr. Dr. Adikwanduaba Sylvester.