Abuja: The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Rep. Kayode Laguda, has called for the abolition of the longstanding HND/BSc dichotomy to address the perceived injustice within Nigeria’s academic system. Laguda voiced this call as a keynote speaker at the inaugural Bi-annual Lecture Series/Awards organized by the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Abuja Branch, with the theme ‘HND/BSc Dichotomy: Matters Arising’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Laguda emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to prohibiting the HND/BSc dichotomy by fostering awareness, supporting research, and paving the way for innovation in Nigeria’s polytechnics. He has sponsored a bill titled ‘Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024’, which aims to address what he terms a ‘long-standing injustice’. The bill has passed crucial stages in the National Assembly and seeks to ensure that holders of HND and BSc qualifications are treated equally in employment, promotion, and further studies.
The lawmaker explained that the proposed legislation aims to eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors, including penalties for parties continuing to perpetrate this bias. He described the move as a declaration of national intent, stating that it affirms the value of polytechnic education and skills, thereby restoring dignity to technical education and rewarding competence over titles.
Laguda called for collaboration among stakeholders to support the HND/Degree Dichotomy Bill, enhancing the contributions of polytechnics to national creativity, excellence, and enterprise. He stressed that a nation undermining its technical experts risks hindering its industrial advancement. He urged a shift in narrative that views polytechnics as secondary to universities, emphasizing the importance of technical education in industrialization, as evidenced by leading economies like Germany, Japan, and China.
Laguda recommended periodic reviews and alignment of HND curricula with industry needs and proposed the establishment of a National Polytechnic Commission. Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), represented by Mr. Bashir Dati, affirmed the board’s commitment to the ongoing reforms. Bugaje praised the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni for organizing the event and stressed the urgency of addressing the dichotomy for national development and industrialization.
Dr. Chioma Awuzie, Rector of the Polytechnic, highlighted the negative impact of the dichotomy on student enrollment and urged government intervention to prevent the collapse of polytechnic education. She advocated for allowing polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees to bridge the gap between HND and degree certificates.
Nze Henry Nnebe, National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, attributed the dichotomy to a lack of unity among polytechnic graduates and called for solidarity in abolishing the divide. Nnabuchi Nnabuchi, Chairman of the Abuja Branch of the Alumni Association, criticized the undermining of meritocracy and competence due to the dichotomy, which has impeded HND holders’ career progression, especially in civil service.
The event concluded with merit awards conferred on notable Nigerians, including Rep. Kayode Laguda, Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, and two women entrepreneurs, Dr. Eugenia Ndukwe and Mrs. Gloria Onyeakazi. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Rep. Unyime Idem were also honored for their dedication to their duties and support for social justice.