FG Scraps HND Dichotomy, Empowers Polytechnics to Award Degrees
The Federal Government has taken a historic step to end the long-standing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in Nigeria. In a major policy shift announced on Wednesday, the government approved the empowering of polytechnics to award Bachelor's degrees.
This landmark decision effectively abolishes the controversial dichotomy between HND and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) holders. For decades, this disparity has limited the career progression of polytechnic graduates, particularly in the civil service.
A New Era for Technical Education
Under the new directive, qualified polytechnics will now be licensed to award full degrees. This move is designed to ensure that graduates from these institutions are treated with the same professional respect as their university counterparts.
The Ministry of Education explained that the policy aims to boost technical manpower in the country. By upgrading the status of polytechnics, the government hopes to attract more students to technical and vocational fields without the fear of future career stagnation.
This reform comes at a crucial time. With Nigeria leading global AI adoption, the demand for highly skilled technical professionals is skyrocketing. Empowering polytechnics is seen as a vital strategy to meet this modern workforce need.
Ending the "Glass Ceiling"
For years, HND holders have faced a "glass ceiling" in public service. They were often unable to rise beyond a certain salary grade level, unlike their university-trained colleagues. This policy removes that barrier.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the news. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has long agitated for this change. They believe it will restore dignity to the polytechnic system and end the perception of it being a "second-class" option.
Implementation Plans
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will oversee the transition. They are expected to release guidelines on which institutions meet the criteria to begin awarding degrees immediately.
This educational reform aligns with other government efforts to stimulate the economy. Recently, the FG unveiled tax incentives for manufacturers, further highlighting the push for a robust industrial sector driven by competent professionals.
Stay tuned to Naijarave.com for the list of polytechnics approved to award degrees.
