Today (Tuesday), Rectors and Provosts from polytechnics and other TVET-awarding institutions across Nigeria will gather to debate a pivotal proposal to replace the Higher National Diploma (HND) program with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree, The PUNCH has confirmed.
A letter signed by the Director of Human Resources of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), Lawal Hafiz, invited all Rectors and Provosts to this crucial meeting. The agenda includes not only the proposed shift to BTech but also a renewed call for the Federal Government to assent to a bill aimed at eliminating the dichotomy between Bachelor’s degrees and HNDs.
This bill seeks to end the long-standing discrimination against polytechnic graduates in employment and career advancement, ensuring they receive equal treatment with their university counterparts. Sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, the legislation has already passed its third reading in the Senate.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Ibrahim Shekarau (APC, Kano Central), emphasized the bill’s significance, stating, “The enactment of this bill to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas for employment purposes will liberate HND holders from stagnation and ensure balanced treatment with their counterparts from other higher tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
The NBTE’s letter reads in part: “I write to invite you to a one-day national dialogue on the future of the Higher National Diploma program in the Nigerian educational landscape. The objective of the dialogue is to address the ongoing discrimination against HND certificate holders and explore solutions to this age-long problem.
“It is hoped that the national dialogue will consider the proposal to replace the HND program with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and renew the call on Mr. President to assent to the bill passed by the National Assembly. This bill aims to abolish and prohibit the dichotomy and discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas in the same profession/field for employment purposes and related matters, as a panacea to the problem.”
This discussion marks a significant step towards redefining technical education in Nigeria, potentially offering enhanced opportunities and recognition for polytechnic graduates.
– PUNCH
