Private Polytechnics Call for Legislative Action to Resolve HND and Bachelor’s Degree Disparity
The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has called upon President Bola Tinubu to introduce legislation aimed at permanently eliminating the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and bachelor’s degrees in the country. Dr. Benjamin Achiatar, the association’s president, emphasized the urgency of this matter during a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Historically, HND holders have faced systemic discrimination, particularly in government employment, where bachelor’s degree holders are often given preferential treatment. Although the National Council on Establishment officially removed this disparity, Dr. Achiatar pointed out that inadequate implementation, stemming from the absence of legal reinforcement, has rendered the policy largely ineffective.
Dr. Achiatar highlighted that the 9th Senate had previously passed a bill addressing this issue; however, it failed to become law due to the lack of presidential assent at the time. He advocates for the current 10th National Assembly to revisit the previous bill or introduce new legislation to rectify the situation, urging President Tinubu to endorse such a bill upon its passage.
The repercussions of this policy gap are evident in the declining enrollment rates in polytechnic institutions. Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) indicates a significant decrease in applications to polytechnics, as students perceive limited career prospects compared to their university counterparts. Dr. Achiatar, who also serves as the Proprietor of Fidei Polytechnic in Gboko, Benue State, expressed concern over this trend, noting that the perceived inequality between HND and bachelor’s degree holders deters potential students from pursuing polytechnic education.
The association contends that polytechnics play a crucial role in Nigeria’s educational landscape by providing practical and technical training essential for national development. The existing dichotomy not only undermines the value of polytechnic education but also contributes to a skills gap in various technical sectors. By enacting legislation to abolish this disparity, the government would promote educational equity and encourage more students to consider polytechnic pathways, thereby strengthening the nation’s technical workforce.
In conclusion, the Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria urges President Tinubu and the National Assembly to take decisive action in eliminating the HND and bachelor’s degree dichotomy. Such a move would affirm the government’s commitment to educational fairness and recognize the indispensable role of polytechnic institutions in fostering a skilled and competent workforce.