Polytechnic Leaders to Debate Proposal to Replace HND with Bachelor of Technology
The debate underscores the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria's education sector and align it with global standards.
Zita Ezechi 
In a pivotal gathering set for today, May 21, rectors and provosts representing polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions would convene to deliberate on a groundbreaking proposal.
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The proposal under scrutiny would suggest the replacement of the Higher National Diploma (HND) program with the Bachelor of Technology degree.
This development, confirmed by a letter issued by the Director of Human Resources at the National Board of Technical Education, Lawal Hafiz, marked a significant moment in the evolution of technical education in Nigeria. The letter, addressed to all rectors and provosts nationwide, outlines the agenda for the meeting, which extends beyond the proposed academic shift.
Among the topics slated for discussion is the urgent plea to the Federal Government to enact a bill aimed at eradicating the dichotomy between Bachelor's degrees and Higher National Diplomas. This bill, if passed into law, aimed to dismantle the longstanding discrimination faced by polytechnic graduates in terms of employment and career progression.
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The bill's proponents argued that abolishing this discriminatory practice will not only empower HND holders but also foster a more equitable employment landscape in Nigeria. Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the Joint Committee overseeing the bill, emphasized the importance of this legislative action in ensuring fair treatment for all graduates across higher tertiary institutions in the country.
"The enactment of the bill to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diploma for the purpose of employment in Nigeria will no doubt freeholders of HND from stagnation and ensure balanced treatment with their counterparts from other higher tertiary institutions in Nigeria," stated Shekarau.
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This debate underscores the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria's education sector and align it with global standards. If approved, the transition from HND to Bachelor of Technology could herald a new era of recognition and opportunity for polytechnic graduates, signaling a significant stride towards educational inclusivity and excellence.
