NBTE shuts engineering programmes over excessive student enrolment

All engineering programmes at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi, have been suspended until further notice by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Board’s Public Relation Officer, Malam Suleiman Gwarzo, said the suspension followed a petition by the polytehcnic's National Diploma students.

Gwarzo said an investigation into the students’ allegations showed that there was low practical learning for engineering programmes in the polytechnic, caused by the large number of students.

"The investigation confirmed the students’ allegation, after it was observed that at the (ND) level, the number of students enrolled was between 300 and 400 students," the statement read.

"This was in violation of the approved carrying capacity for the programmes.

"Based on the above observations and to ensure that standards are maintained, the board has directed that the institution should stop further admissions into its engineering programmes.

According to the statement, the suspended would remain until the polytechnic addresses all the deficiencies observed.

"The board has also advised the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to accordingly stop all processes of admission into all engineering programmes in the institution."

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspension has been communicated to the polytechnic’s rector in a June 26th letter.