Technology-Enabled Quality Assurance
NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Technology-Enabled Quality Assurance
In response to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the Federal Government's strategic emphasis on a digitally-driven economy, our Board has spearheaded the development of a digital platform for seamless communication with all institutions within our regulatory ambit.
In alignment with this technological thrust, the Board is proud to unveil a paradigm-shifting approach—Technology-Driven Quality Assurance for TVET Institutions. This pioneering initiative seeks to significantly curtail the need for on-site visits, thereby relieving financial pressures on institutions nationwide. Notably, it fosters sustainability by obviating the requirement for the traditional submission of Self-Study Questionnaires (SSQ), hitherto presented in hardbound copies.
A key facet of this initiative is the deliberate reduction in personnel deployment, achieved through the comprehensive digitization of the entire quality assurance process. Formerly manual procedures, conducted during physical visits, are now seamlessly executed through state-of-the-art technology, enhancing overall efficiency and efficacy.
Beyond streamlining administrative processes, this initiative serves as a pivotal tool for the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to closely monitor the implementation of curricula, particularly concerning the practical components. Given that 60% - 70% of technology program curricula in TVET institutions are practical in nature, neglect of these elements has often resulted in graduates with suboptimal practical knowledge. This technology-enabled approach aims to rectify this imbalance, ensuring a more robust and practical-oriented education.
Institutional Guidelines for Technology-Enabled Quality Assurance
To ensure a smooth transition into the era of Technology-Enabled Quality Assurance (QA), the Board has implemented new measures. Institutions are urged to adhere to the following guidelines:
I. Website Updates:
Update institutional websites to encompass all accredited departments, including details of both teaching and non-teaching staff.
II. Staff Documentation:
Upload passport-size photos of staff recruited for each program.
Include abridged Curriculum Vitae (CV) or a synopsis, specifying educational qualifications, professional memberships, and years of experience.
III. Student Project Management:
Establish a database in the library for storing final-year approved student projects in PDF format, readily available for upload during the quality assurance process.
IV. Logbook Digitization:
Scan and save existing practical logbooks in PDF format on a google drive.
Adopt digital logbooks for subsequent records, utilizing platforms such as Google Forms.
V. Practical Recordings:
Video record practical sessions using mobile devices for subsequent upload to a dedicated YouTube channel.
Create a Gmail account for each class to facilitate the creation and sharing of the YouTube channel.
VI. Software-Related Practicals:
Screen record software-related practicals for enhanced verification and improved student comprehension.
VII. Admission Lists and Academic Records:
Ensure the availability of approved admission lists for both ND and HND programs in Excel format.
Include detailed candidate information on O-Level scores and National Diploma (ND) results where applicable.
VIII. Architectural Drawings:
Save soft copies of architectural drawings (floor plans) for classrooms, offices, workshops, laboratories, etc., in PDF format for uploading to the eSSQ.
IX. Learning Management System (LMS):
Develop a Learning Management System (LMS) for traditional students, complementing conventional teaching and facilitating the gradual integration of technology-enabled learning. Note that LMS is already mandatory for Distance Learning Students.
X. Document Scanning:
Convert scanned copies of all relevant documents often requested during quality assurance visits to PDF format. This includes student result sheets, soft copies of student projects, lists of core teaching staff, service staff, examination question papers and marking schemes, lists of books, and lists of available equipment.
XI. Equipment Identification:
Engrave the name of the institution on all equipment in laboratories and workshops to indicate ownership.
XII. Digital Photographs with GPS Data:
Capture digital photographs of equipment in laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and offices using GPS cameras available on the Play Store. Include location coordinates for upload on the eSSQ.
XIII. Remote e-Library Access:
Establish a remote-accessible e-Library containing collections of both free and subscribed books and journals.
XIV. Infrastructure Master Plan:
Maintain an up-to-date master plan showcasing current infrastructures and proposed developments, available in PDF format.
XV. Virtual Meetings:
Be prepared for virtual meetings scheduled by the NBTE with staff and students for the purpose of interviews.
Application Process for Mounting New Programmes
Visit nbte website on www.nbte.gov.ng for link to the portal.
Institutions are required to follow the process outlined below:
1. Initiation of Request:
Navigate to the Initiate Request Tab and choose the proposed programs you intend to mount.
2. Submission of Request:
Click on the Submit Tab to forward your request to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
3. Estimation Generation:
NBTE will generate an estimate using the system and subsequently forward it to your institution.
4. Estimate Review:
Access the generated estimate under the Payment Tab for your review.
5. Payment Processing:
Initiate the payment for the estimated amount and provide evidence of the transaction through the portal.
6. Confirmation of Payment:
Once payment has been confirmed, the status will be updated to "payment confirmed," granting you access to the Electronic Self-Study Questionnaire (eSSQ).
7. Completion of eSSQ:
Utilize the eSSQ to comprehensively fill out the necessary details for the proposed programs.
8. Verification of Completed eSSQ:
Verify the completed eSSQ to ensure accuracy and completeness.
9. Submission to NBTE:
Submit the verified eSSQ to NBTE for evaluation.
10. Scheduling of Physical Verification Visit:
Following the assessment of your eSSQ and approval, NBTE will schedule a date for a physical verification visit to your institution.
11. Approval and Program Activation:
Upon successful completion of the physical verification visit and approval, your new program will automatically be included among your institution's approved programs.
Renewal Process for Existing Programmes with Expired Accreditation
In the renewal process for existing programs with expired accreditation, institutions are advised to follow the outlined steps:
1. Preparation Phase:
Six months prior to the expiration of accreditation, NBTE will dispatch estimates for the accreditation renewal of existing programs, providing ample time for preparation.2. Estimate Accessibility:
View the provided estimates on the Payments Tab for a comprehensive understanding of the associated costs.3. Payment Submission:
Initiate the payment for the accreditation renewal and submit evidence of the transaction to NBTE.4. Access to eSSQ:
Following the confirmation of payment, institutions will gain access to the Electronic Self-Study Questionnaire (eSSQ) for the respective program.5. eSSQ Completion:
Utilize the eSSQ to diligently complete the necessary information for the renewal of the expired program(s).6. Verification of Completed eSSQ:
Verify the completed eSSQ to ensure accuracy and completeness.7. Submission to NBTE:
Submit the verified eSSQ to NBTE for evaluation.8. Scheduling of Physical Verification Visit:
NBTE will schedule a date for a physical verification visit after evaluating the submitted eSSQ.9. Approval and Accreditation Status Update:
Upon successful completion of the physical verification visit and approval, the status of the expired program will be automatically updated to reflect the new accreditation status.Institutions are encouraged to adhere to these steps to seamlessly transition from an expired accreditation status to a renewed and approved standing.
Establishment Approval Process for New Institutions
For new institutions seeking approval for establishment, the following step-by-step guide is provided:
1. Access NBTE Website:
Visit the NBTE website at www.nbte.gov.ng and navigate to the digitalization menu for the relevant link.2. Document Preparation:
Ensure you have soft copies of the following essential documents:i. CAC Certificates
ii. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the proposed institution or Approved Land title documents
iii. Bank Guarantee
iv. Master Plan
v. Academic Brief, etc.
3. Application Submission:
Upon approval of your application, log in with the provided details to initiate the application process. Complete the form and gain login access for your institution.4. Document Upload:
Upload the required documents as part of the application process.5. Estimation for Physical Inspection:
Expect an estimate for the physical inspection of your proposed temporary and permanent sites, which will be accessible under the Payments tab.6. Payment Confirmation:
Confirm the payment associated with the inspection.7. Visit Scheduling:
Following the confirmation of payment, a visit to your proposed sites will be scheduled.8. Successful Visit Notification:
Upon the successful completion of the visit, you will be notified.9. Initiation of New Programmes:
Proceed to the NBTE website's digitalization menu and utilize the "mount new programs" sub-menu tab for steps to initiate a request for the mounting of new programs.