The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, advocated for the discontinuation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to mitigate the ongoing professional conflict with university degrees.
He emphasized revisiting the recommendations of the 2017 Conference of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to bolster the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector.
President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Shammah Kpanja, stressed the importance of transitioning HND to BTech to enhance the appeal of polytechnics. He proposed offering specialized BTech programs exclusively for HND students to elevate their qualifications.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, highlighted the unjust discrimination against HND holders in Nigeria and emphasized the need for reform. The dialogue on the future of the HND in Nigeria aimed to address longstanding issues and promote inclusivity in the educational system.
Prof. Olaopa suggested converting polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions based on COHEADS recommendations, with National Diploma serving as an entry qualification for degrees.
Bugaje expalined the vital role of the TVET sector in national development and called for ending the discrimination against HND holders. The dialogue aimed to resolve issues impeding the recognition and advancement of HND qualifications in various sectors.
The need for societal acceptance of HND qualifications was emphasized by Philip Ogunsipe, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics. He urged addressing discriminatory practices in legislation to facilitate the integration of HND programs into the educational system.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, lauded efforts to promote skills acquisition among HND holders and encouraged a shift in perceptions regarding the value of HND qualifications.
