The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Rep. Kayode Laguda, has renewed the call for the complete abolition of the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy, describing it as an injustice that continues to undermine Nigeria’s academic and professional space.
Laguda made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the maiden Bi-Annual Lecture Series and Awards organised by the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter. The event had the theme: “HND/BSc Dichotomy: Matters Arising.”
He stressed the need for a national commitment to ending the discriminatory gap between HND and BSc qualifications by promoting awareness, strengthening research, and encouraging innovation within Nigeria’s polytechnic system.
According to Laguda, he has already taken legislative steps to address the imbalance by sponsoring the “Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024,” which seeks to ensure equal opportunities for HND and BSc holders in employment, career progression, and further education. He noted that the bill has passed significant stages at the National Assembly.
Laguda explained that the proposed law aims to eliminate discrimination across both public and private sectors, with penalties for institutions or individuals who continue to enforce the bias.
He described the bill as more than a legislative tool, calling it “a statement of national intent”—one that assures polytechnic students that their education, skills, and future are valued.
The lawmaker urged key stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the bill, adding that strengthening the polytechnic sector would boost national creativity, innovation, and enterprise. He emphasized that countries that lead industrial development—such as Germany, Japan, and China—achieve this by prioritizing technical education.
Laguda also condemned the stagnation faced by HND holders, calling for a complete rebranding of polytechnics as centres of innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that the outdated mindset that polytechnics are meant for those who could not gain university admission should be discarded.
To move the sector forward, he recommended regular reviews of the HND curriculum to align with industry needs and the establishment of a National Polytechnic Commission.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje—represented by Mr. Bashir Dati—reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ongoing reforms and commended the alumni association for championing the conversation. Bugaje described the persistent dichotomy as a major barrier to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, noted that the dichotomy is already affecting student enrollment and urged the government to intervene urgently. She advocated for polytechnics to be allowed to award Bachelor of Technology degrees as a permanent solution.
National President of the Alumni Association, Nze Henry Nnebe, attributed the prolonged dichotomy to a lack of unity among polytechnic graduates and called for collective action to end the divide.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Abuja branch, Mr. Nnabuchi Nnabuchi, said the policy had continuously undermined competence and hindered HND holders from reaching the peak of their careers, particularly in the civil service.
The event featured the presentation of merit awards to several prominent individuals, including Rep. Kayode Laguda, Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, Dr. Eugenia Ndukwe, and Mrs. Gloria Onyeakazi. The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Rep. Unyime Idem were also recognised for their contributions to national development and social justice.
