Education stakeholders are once again urging the Nigerian government to end the long-standing disparity between the Higher National Diploma (HND) and the Bachelor’s Degree (BSc), describing the divide as unjust and a major obstacle to the growth of polytechnic education in the country.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stakeholders called for the full enforcement of the Federal Government’s policy aimed at establishing equivalence between the two qualifications.
Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, stressed that genuine parity must extend to areas such as recruitment, promotion, and career development.
He suggested that the government consider upgrading certain polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions or transforming them into universities of technology, with a strong emphasis on practical skills. While acknowledging that Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDs) offer limited advancement for HND holders, he noted that BSc holders still enjoy preferential treatment in many sectors.
“Without a Bachelor’s Degree, HND holders face limitations. A structured conversion programme with appropriate certifications could help bridge the gap,” he said.
Mr. Ojo Monday, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (Yabatech chapter), echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the divide undermines the development of technical education.
He recommended adopting a model similar to that of the UK, where polytechnics have been integrated into the university system.
“PGDs were designed to narrow the gap, but they haven’t truly addressed the disparity,” he observed.
Silvia, an HND graduate, also shared her experience, citing the negative perception and limited opportunities faced by diploma holders in the job market.
“Government action is needed to shift public perception. HND holders are competent, but we’re often overlooked,” she said.
In 2021, the National Assembly passed a bill aimed at ending discrimination against HND holders in the workplace. However, the bill has not yet been signed into law.
As a result, many HND graduates in the civil service remain restricted in their career progression, often unable to rise beyond Grade Level 14 regardless of their qualifications or experience.
Until the bill is enacted and its provisions fully implemented, many believe the HND–BSc divide will persist continuing to limit equal opportunities and impede the advancement of technical education in Nigeria.
NAN
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