Rectors and Provosts of polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are set to convene today (Tuesday) to deliberate on the proposal to replace the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme with a Bachelor of Technology degree, The PUNCH can confirm.
In a letter addressed to all Rectors and Provosts across Nigeria, signed by the Director of Human Resources of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), Lawal Hafiz, the meeting aims to provide members with an opportunity to discuss the potential transition to the Bachelor of Technology degree. Additionally, the gathering will allow stakeholders to renew their call on the Federal Government to assent to a bill aimed at eliminating the dichotomy between Bachelors degrees and Higher National Diplomas.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, recently passed the third reading on the floor of the Senate at plenary. Its enactment seeks to eradicate discrimination against polytechnic graduates in employment and promotion within the workplace, thereby addressing a long-standing issue faced by stakeholders in polytechnics.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau (APC, Kano Central), emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “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.”
The letter from the NBTE invites participants to engage in a one-day national dialogue to address the challenges surrounding the HND programme in the Nigerian educational landscape. The dialogue aims to explore potential solutions to the continued discrimination against HND holders and assess the proposal to replace the HND programme with the Bachelor of Technology degree. Additionally, stakeholders will discuss the need for presidential assent to the bill passed by the National Assembly, which seeks to eliminate dichotomy and discrimination between first degrees and HNDs in employment and related matters.
