A bill aimed at abolishing the long-standing discrimination between Bachelor’s Degree holders and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed law seeks to replace the HND qualification with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree for graduates of polytechnics, in a bid to ensure they compete on equal terms with university graduates in the job market.
The bill, sponsored by Fuad Laguda, a member representing Lagos State, has garnered significant support from lawmakers and polytechnic institutions across the country. The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that the bill was designed to address the inequality faced by polytechnic graduates, who have long been subjected to a system that treats them as inferior to their university counterparts.
At the heart of the bill is the proposal to replace the HND qualification with a Bachelor of Technology degree, which would reflect the higher academic standing of polytechnic programs. Speaker Abbas highlighted that polytechnic boards across Nigeria have long advocated for this change, calling for their graduates to be recognized equally with university graduates.
Abbas explained that polytechnic institutions have been pushing for a shift from the HND to the Bachelor of Technology qualification for years, and this bill represents a significant step toward leveling the playing field. He pointed out that this change would allow polytechnic graduates to compete effectively for higher-paying and more prestigious jobs, many of which are often reserved for university graduates.
“Polytechnic graduates should not be left behind or seen as lesser than university graduates. They need an education system that truly reflects their capabilities,” Abbas remarked during the legislative session.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of technical education in Nigeria’s economy, which is heavily reliant on skilled labor in sectors such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing. By raising the status of polytechnic education, the bill seeks to encourage more students to pursue technical and vocational courses, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute to the country’s development.
The bill’s sponsor, Fuad Laguda, explained that the reclassification of the HND to a Bachelor of Technology would also address concerns about the quality of education at polytechnics. He noted that this shift would not only benefit the students but would also strengthen the role of polytechnics in providing the technical expertise needed for Nigeria’s growth.
The bill also proposes a “hybrid supervision” system for polytechnics, where the degree component of polytechnic education would be managed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), while the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) would continue to oversee the national diploma programs. This dual approach would ensure that the degree programs meet the same high academic standards as those offered by universities.
In addition to changing the qualifications for polytechnic graduates, the bill also proposes an upgrade in the required qualifications for the position of rector, the head of a polytechnic. Speaker Abbas explained that since polytechnics would now offer degree programs, it would be necessary for the head of these institutions to hold at least a Ph.D. This change would ensure that the leadership of polytechnics aligns with the academic and professional expectations of degree-level education.
“There is a need for a rector with a Ph.D. to lead polytechnic institutions. With the introduction of degree programs, it is only fitting that the leadership should reflect the academic standards of the new curriculum,” Abbas said.
This proposal has been met with approval from educators and administrators within the polytechnic system, many of whom have long advocated for higher academic standards at the leadership level. They argue that a Ph.D. holder leading polytechnic institutions would bring greater credibility to the system, elevating the profile of polytechnic education and ensuring that it receives the recognition it deserves.
The introduction of this bill is seen as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform its education system, particularly in the area of vocational and technical education. For years, the country has faced challenges in aligning its education system with the demands of the job market, with many graduates, particularly from polytechnics, struggling to secure well-paying jobs due to the stigma associated with their qualifications.
This bill aims to change that by giving polytechnic graduates a qualification that is more widely recognized both within Nigeria and internationally. By replacing the HND with the Bachelor of Technology, the bill seeks to close the gap between polytechnic and university graduates, ensuring that all students have access to the same opportunities based on their qualifications and skills.
Many stakeholders have applauded the bill, calling it a long-overdue reform that will not only improve the status of polytechnic education but will also contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s economy. Industry leaders, educators, and even students have expressed optimism that the bill will open up new avenues for technical and vocational graduates, enabling them to take on more leadership roles and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
After successfully passing the second reading in the House of Representatives, the bill now moves to the committee stage, where it will undergo further scrutiny and possible amendments. If it is approved by the committee, the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
If passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, the bill will be sent to the President for assent. Once signed into law, it will mark a historic shift in Nigeria’s educational landscape, particularly for polytechnic institutions and their graduates.
The bill has sparked a wider conversation about the need for education reform in Nigeria, particularly in the context of vocational and technical training. With the nation’s unemployment rate high and a growing need for skilled labor in various industries, many believe that the reform of polytechnic education will help bridge the gap between the skills students acquire and the needs of the labor market.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to see whether this crucial reform will become a reality and reshape the future of education in Nigeria.
