RETHINKING THE TRADITIONAL PATHWAY: Why DBA is a Better Fit for Polytechnic Lecturers.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in Nigeria recently changed its service conditions, now allowing Higher National Diploma (HND) holders to lecture in Nigerian polytechnics. This move is commendable as it recognizes the practical expertise and industry experience HND holders bring to the educational sector. Here are some other countries where HND qualifications are recognized for vocational or technical teaching positions: Ireland , Singapore , Malaysia, South Africa, Ghana, India, Kenya, Zambia, and the United Kingdom. These examples demonstrate a global recognition of HND holders' practical expertise and specialized knowledge to technical and vocational education. To further elevate the quality of polytechnic education, NBTE should encourage HND holders with extensive practical experience to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. This qualification is particularly relevant for polytechnic education, focusing on applied knowledge and real-wo...