Stakeholders in polytechnic education have renewed calls for the Federal Government to abolish the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s Degree qualifications, describing the divide as unjust and detrimental to national development.
Speaking to correspondents in Lagos on Friday, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, urged the government to implement its policy on Degree/HND parity, particularly in employment, promotions, and career advancement.
“The Federal Government should upgrade well-established polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions or convert them to universities of technology with a focus on practical skills,” he said.
Abdul noted that while the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) provides some avenue for progression, the bias towards Bachelor’s Degree holders persists. He advocated for structured conversion programmes, professional certifications, and curriculum upgrades to level the playing field.
Echoing the rector’s concerns, Mr Ojo Monday, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Yabatech Chapter, described the dichotomy as a major threat to the polytechnic education system.
“The only way out is either to convert polytechnics to universities as done in the UK, or adopt the polytechnic university model with a strong emphasis on skills and vocational training,” he said, adding that PGD has failed to adequately bridge the gap.
A polytechnic graduate, Silvia, also lamented the marginalisation of HND holders in the job market, stressing the need for a policy shift to drive public and private sector recognition of their qualifications.
“Our qualification is being undervalued. Eliminating this disparity would restore confidence in polytechnic graduates and unlock their potential,” she said.
Correspondents report that a major milestone in the struggle was reached in 2021 when the National Assembly passed a bill prohibiting discrimination between HND and Bachelor’s Degree holders. The legislation, however, remains unsigned, and HND holders in the civil service are still barred from promotions beyond grade level 14 regardless of performance.
(NAN)