It is not often that one feels compelled to respond to publications by Sahara Reporters, an online platform whose credibility has, over time, come under serious question.Once regarded as a bold voice in investigative journalism, the medium has increasingly veered into sensationalism, with reports on national issues frequently subjected to intense scrutiny over accuracy and professionalism. However, recent publications concerning the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and its Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Bugaje, necessitate a response.
In what appears to be a sustained campaign, Sahara Reporters has, in recent times, published a series of unverified and one-sided stories aimed at discrediting the leadership of NBTE.
The first of such reports, dated August 14, 2025, alleged fraud and job racketeering within the agency. The story, widely criticised for lacking credible evidence, seemed more like a script executed on behalf of disgruntled elements than a product of responsible journalism. Undeterred by what many have described as a campaign of calumny, Professor Bugaje remained focused on his mandate. Rather than be distracted, he continued to pursue reforms that have steadily transformed Nigeria’s technical and vocational education landscape. On March 25, Sahara Reporters published yet another report titled “Disquiet in Nigerian Agency NBTE over Illegal Tenure Extension of Executive Secretary Bugaje Amid Secret Recruitment.” This latest piece questions both the extension and renewal of Professor Bugaje’s tenure, as well as routine administrative decisions within the agency.
For the record, Professor Bugaje, who was first appointed on April 14, 2021, completed his initial tenure on March 13, 2026. His reappointment, facilitated through the appropriate channels under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, falls squarely within established administrative procedures. Attempts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of this process — including claims that the picture of Professor Bugaje receiving his re-appointment letter from the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, is an “AI-generated” — are not only unfounded but border on the absurd.
Equally misleading are allegations of “illegal recruitment.” Public institutions periodically recruit to meet operational needs, and NBTE is no exception. Available evidence indicates that due process has been followed in all the recruitments carried out by the agency. Claims that the agency’s quality assurance functions have been outsourced are similarly baseless, ignoring the expansion of NBTE’s zonal offices and the redeployment of staff to strengthen oversight nationwide.
Beyond the controversy lies a more important story—one of reform and measurable progress. Over the past five years, Professor Bugaje has spearheaded a quiet but impactful transformation of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. His vision has been clear: to shift the country’s education system from a predominantly theoretical model to one that prioritises practical skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Under his leadership, NBTE has modernised curricula across polytechnics and technical institutions, integrating digital competencies, entrepreneurship, and emerging fields such as renewable energy. The introduction of dual certification, combining academic qualifications with practical skills, has significantly enhanced graduate employability.
One of the most ambitious proposals of this administration is the recommendation that up to 50 percent of secondary education be devoted to skills acquisition. While bold, the proposal reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing youth unemployment and aligning education with labor market realities.
The strengthening of the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) has also been a major milestone. By recognizing prior learning and informal training, the framework has opened pathways for millions of Nigerians who acquire skills outside formal education systems.
Similarly, the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has been revitalised, with improved monitoring and certification processes ensuring that students gain meaningful industry exposure. The introduction of a unified industrial training certificate marks a step towards standardising workplace readiness.
Capacity building has not been overlooked. Hundreds of lecturers and instructors have undergone training in modern teaching methods, equipping them to deliver education that meets contemporary industry standards.
Professor Bugaje’s tenure has also been characterised by strong sustainable funding and institutional reforms advocacy. His call for a National Skills Development Fund underscores the urgent need to invest in vocational training, particularly within Nigeria’s vast informal sector.
Perhaps most importantly, NBTE under his leadership has strengthened its collaboration with industry stakeholders. Through partnerships and the development of National Occupational Standards, the agency has worked to ensure that training programmes are aligned with real-world demands.
In light of these achievements, the attempt to undermine Professor Bugaje’s leadership through unsubstantiated reports by Sahara Reporters raises important questions about motive and credibility. At a time Nigeria urgently needs transformative leadership in education, the focus should remain on measurable progress rather than manufactured controversies. The reforms initiated under Professor Bugaje represent a critical step toward building a skilled, self-reliant workforce capable of driving national development.