In a strategic move to align with emerging trends and enhance national development, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced the transformation of computer science programs in polytechnics.
As of the 2024/2025 academic session, polytechnics will no longer offer computer science as a standalone course.
In a letter dated January 8, 2024, NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, informed key stakeholders and the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) about the decision. The transformation aims to equip graduates with targeted skills for the evolving technological landscape.
The phased-out HND Computer Science program will be replaced by four specialized area.
i) HND Artificial Intelligence.
ii) HND Networking and Cloud Computing.
iii) HND Software and Web Development.
iv) HND Cybersecurity and Data Protection.
Admissions into the new specialized areas will commence from the 2024/2025 academic session, signaling a shift toward more tailored and advanced computer science education. The grace period until 2025 allows institutions to graduate students under the old curricula, ensuring a smooth transition.