The long-standing debate over the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree qualifications in Nigeria has resurfaced with renewed intensity, reigniting discussions concerning equality and fairness in Nigeria’s educational and employment systems. The issue, which has persisted for years, gained prominence in 2023, when experts from a range of fields expressed their worries and demanded changes to close the disparity. At the heart of the controversy is the perceived inequality in how HND holders and Bachelor’s degree graduates are treated in the workplace and by government agencies.
Despite the fact that both qualifications are granted by accredited universities and denote post-secondary education, HND holders frequently encounter barriers to job advancement, particularly in government ministries and parastatals. In a nation aiming for industrial and technical growth, these limitations have stoked discussions about the value and applicability of polytechnic education. The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), has been one of the most outspoken advocates for the abolition of the dichotomy. NATE stressed that the marginalisation of HND holders undermines the contributions made by polytechnic graduates to the advancement of the country, especially in the engineering and technical sectors.
Significant legislative progress has been made.
According to the group, HND graduates should not be forced into entry-level jobs or lesser pay rates merely because of their degree as they have the practical, hands-on skills necessary for Nigeria’s industrial development. Significant progress has been made in the dispute in recent years, especially with legislative actions meant to correct the imbalance. The House of Assembly has previously examined and approved a bill intended to remove the discrepancy between these two standards, which was a noteworthy step. This legislative attempt demonstrates the increasing understanding of the vital role polytechnic Education plays in propelling the growth of a country.
It also represents years of advocacy by stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, who have repeatedly called for an end to the marginalization of HND holders. By approving the bill, the House of Assembly has shown that it is committed to resolving a structural problem that has prevented thousands of polytechnic graduates from advancing in their careers. However, the path to equality is far from over. The bill now awaits presidential assent, which is a decisive step that would formally codify the principles of fairness and equal treatment into law.
NATE underlined the urgency of the president’s approval.
This move would also strongly emphasise the importance of practical, technical education for the advancement of the country, a significant shift in Nigeria’s labor and educational policy. NATE has underlined how urgent the president’s approval is while praising the legislative endeavor as a major advancement. The group also argues that the law’s delayed finalisation perpetuates inequality and demoralises polytechnic graduates, many of whom have the practical skills Nigeria sorely needs to support its Infrastructure and businesses, and perpetuates injustice.
Proponents contend that ending the dichotomy is not only a matter of justice but also strategically necessary for Nigeria’s advancement. They pointed out that this systematic prejudice runs counter to the fundamental goals of polytechnic education, which were to generate the skilled technical labor needed for industrialisation and economic expansion. They demonstrate how other countries have effectively combined academic and technical credentials into a unified framework, guaranteeing that each is equally respected for its distinct contributions. Closing this gap in Nigeria would support a more inclusive labor market and aid in addressing the nation’s technical skills shortage.
Related Article: FG to promote digital literacy in education
Many have criticised the delay in obtaining presidential assent, even though the bill passed the House of Assembly. Critics fear that the prolonged wait weakens the legislative initiative’s momentum and could give the impression that the government does not consider the issue to be a top priority. Stakeholders and activists are still holding out hope that the president will take the required action to make this reform a law while the bill waits for action. If signed, it would mark the beginning of a new age in Nigerian education and employment, one in which credentials are appreciated for their contributions to the advancement of the country rather than their labels.