The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Rep. Kayode Laguda, has called for the abolition of the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy, describing it as an injustice that undermines technical education in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja at the maiden Bi-annual Lecture Series/Awards organized by the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Abuja Branch, Laguda emphasized the need to harmonize HND and BSc qualifications, promote research, and foster innovation in Nigeria’s polytechnics. The event’s theme was “HND/BSc Dichotomy: Matters Arising.”
Laguda revealed that he has sponsored the “Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024,” which has passed key stages in the National Assembly. The bill seeks to ensure that HND and BSc holders are treated equally in employment, promotion, and further studies, while prescribing penalties for institutions or individuals that perpetuate discrimination.
“The goal is to restore dignity to technical education, reward competence, and send a clear message to every Nigerian in a polytechnic that their education and skills matter,” Laguda said. He called on stakeholders to collaborate to pass the bill and reposition polytechnic education as a critical driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrialisation in Nigeria.
He noted that the stigma attached to polytechnic education as an “alternative to university” is outdated, stressing that no country can industrialize without valuing its technical workforce. Laguda highlighted global examples, citing Germany, Japan, and China as nations that prioritize technical education to drive industrial growth. He recommended periodic review of HND curricula to align with industry needs and 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, commended the alumni for organizing the lecture and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting polytechnic reforms. He described the HND/BSc dichotomy as a major obstacle to national development and industrialisation.
Dr. Chioma Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, expressed concern that the dichotomy was affecting student enrollment and urged the government to allow polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees to end the divide.
The National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Nnebe, attributed the persistence of the dichotomy to a lack of unity among polytechnic graduates and called for solidarity to abolish it. Mr. Nnabuchi Nnabuchi, Chairman of the Abuja Branch, noted that the dichotomy has undermined meritocracy and hindered career progression, particularly in the civil service.
The lecture series also featured the conferment of merit awards to notable Nigerians, including Rep. Kayode Laguda, Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, and two women entrepreneurs, Dr. Eugenia Ndukwe and Mrs. Gloria Onyeakazi. Other honorees included Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Rep. Unyime Idem, recognized for their contributions to social justice and national development.
The event underscored a growing national consensus on the urgent need to reform polytechnic education and eliminate discriminatory practices that limit the potential of HND holders.