Association Urges President Tinubu to Abolish HND–BSc Dichotomy

The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to sponsor a bill to abolish the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diplomas (HND) and bachelor’s degrees.

Dr Benjamin Achiatar, the association’s president, made this appeal during an interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

The HND–BSc dichotomy has historically placed HND holders at a disadvantage in government job placements, where preference is often given to those with university degrees. While the National Council on Establishment officially removed this distinction, Achiatar noted that its enforcement remains weak due to the absence of a legal framework.

“The Bill to formally address this issue was passed by the 9th Senate but was never signed into law by the then president. Therefore, a new Bill needs to be introduced or the previous one revisited by the current 10th National Assembly and sent to President Tinubu for assent,” he stated.

Achiatar highlighted that the ongoing disparity has discouraged students from applying to polytechnics, as reflected in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) records, which show a steady decline in enrolment numbers. He stressed that technical education plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s industrialisation, yet it continues to be undervalued.

“We provide essential technical training in polytechnics and monotechnics, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Our emphasis on hands-on training is what sets us apart from universities,” he said.

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He urged the government to prioritise technological and technical education, warning that dwindling interest in these fields could have negative economic implications.

“We hope the government will take note and create incentives for students to pursue technical education. Currently, greater emphasis is placed on university education, which is discouraging students from opting for HND courses,” he added.

Achiatar also reiterated support for converting the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a commission, arguing that such a move would better address the evolving needs of Nigeria’s polytechnics.

“A commission would enable NBTE to collaborate with the National Universities Commission (NUC) on accreditation processes, allowing polytechnics to award B.Tech (Hons) degrees, which would, in turn, attract more students,” he explained.

He urged the government to take immediate action to ensure that technical education receives the recognition and support it deserves to drive Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.