STAKEHOLDERS DEMAND END TO BACHELOR’S DEGREE–HND DISPARITY IN NIGERIA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s polytechnic education system have renewed calls for the elimination of the long-standing disparity between Bachelor’s Degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND), describing it as a major barrier to educational equity and national development.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday, the stakeholders advocated for urgent implementation of policies that promote parity between both qualifications in employment, promotions, and career progression.
The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to enforce existing policy frameworks on HND–Bachelor’s Degree equality. He also proposed upgrading well-established polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions or converting them to universities of technology with a practical skills focus.
“To bridge the gap, we need to reflect parity in recruitment and promotions. While the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) has helped, in many cases employers still favour Bachelor’s Degree holders,” Abdul said. “HND graduates should have access to conversion programmes and professional certifications to level the playing field.”
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Yabatech Chapter, Mr. Ojo Monday, said the disparity had stifled the growth of polytechnic education in the country.
“The dichotomy remains a major threat to the relevance of polytechnic education,” he said. “We should adopt the UK model of polytechnic universities that emphasize hands-on vocational skills.”
Monday noted that despite the availability of PGD programmes, many employers still sideline HND holders, leaving them disadvantaged in the job market.
An HND graduate, identified simply as Silvia, also shared her experience, lamenting the persistent perception gap.
“Our qualification is being undervalued. Eliminating the disparity will not only boost our confidence but will also allow the country to fully harness the potential of polytechnic education,” she said.
Efforts to end the discrimination made significant progress in 2021 when the National Assembly passed a bill to abolish the disparity. The “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment and for Related Matters” was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly but has yet to be signed into law.
As a result, HND holders in the civil service remain unable to rise beyond Grade Level 14, regardless of competence or experience.
Stakeholders say that without urgent action to end the dichotomy, the nation risks further marginalizing skilled professionals and undermining the value of technical and vocational education.
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