Rectors to Debate Replacement of HND with Bachelor of Technology

Rectors and Provosts of polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Nigeria are set to debate a proposal today to replace the Higher National Diploma (HND) with a Bachelor of Technology degree. This development was confirmed by The PUNCH.

According to a letter from Lawal Hafiz, Director of Human Resources at the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), the meeting will also address the long-standing issue of discrimination between HND holders and university graduates. The letter, addressed to Rectors and Provosts nationwide, highlights the need to urge the Federal Government to pass a bill aimed at eliminating this disparity.

The bill, championed by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, seeks to ensure equal treatment in employment and promotion for polytechnic graduates, addressing a significant concern among stakeholders. It recently passed its third reading in the Senate.

Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the Joint Committee, emphasized the bill’s importance, stating, “The enactment of the bill to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas for employment purposes will free HND holders from stagnation and ensure equal treatment with university graduates.”

The NBTE’s invitation for the national dialogue reads: “I write to invite you to a one-day national dialogue on the future of the Higher National Diploma programme in the Nigerian Educational Landscape. The objective is to address the ongoing discrimination against HND holders and explore the proposal to replace the HND programme with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech). Additionally, we aim to renew the call for the President to assent to the bill passed by the National Assembly to abolish the dichotomy and discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas for employment purposes.”