A national dialogue has been convened for Rectors and Provosts of polytechnics and TVET-awarding institutions to discuss the proposed replacement of the Higher National Diploma (HND) program with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. The meeting, scheduled for today, aims to address the long-standing discrimination faced by HND holders in employment and promotion.
The National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) has invited stakeholders to explore ways to end the dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates. The proposal comes after a bill seeking to abolish discrimination between First Degrees and HND certificates passed its third reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, aims to ensure equal treatment for HND holders in the workplace. The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Ibrahim Shekarau, emphasized that the legislation will free HND holders from stagnation and promote balanced treatment with their university counterparts.
The NBTE’s invitation to the national dialogue highlights the need to address the discrimination faced by HND holders and explore alternatives, including replacing HND with B.Tech degrees. The meeting seeks to find solutions to this lingering issue and promote a more inclusive and equitable education system.