The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Rep. Kayode Laguda, has renewed calls for the elimination of the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree qualifications, describing the gap as an injustice within the country’s academic framework.
Laguda delivered the message on Saturday in Abuja while presenting the keynote address at the maiden edition of the Bi-annual Lecture Series and Awards organised by the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Abuja chapter. The event focused on the theme “HND/Bsc Dichotomy: Matters Arising”.
He stressed the urgency of reinforcing efforts to end the HND/BSc divide by raising awareness, promoting research and enabling innovation across Nigeria’s polytechnic institutions.
According to Laguda, who again advocated harmonisation of both qualifications, he had already sponsored legislation titled “Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024” to correct what he termed a “long standing injustice”.
“In response to this long-standing injustice, I took the bold step of sponsoring the bill which has already passed crucial stages in the National Assembly.
“The goal is to ensure that holders of HND and BSc qualifications are treated equally for employment, promotion, and further studies,” he said.
He noted that the proposed law seeks to outlaw discrimination in both public and private establishments, with penalties for individuals or bodies that continue the practice.
According to him, the initiative represents more than a legislative effort; it is a national statement of purpose.
“It says to every young Nigerian in a polytechnic that your education matters, your skills matter, and your future is valid.
“It is about restoring dignity to technical education and rewarding competence, not titles.”
Laguda urged all stakeholders to work collectively toward the passage of the HND/Degree Dichotomy Bill, insisting that polytechnics must play a pivotal role in driving innovation, excellence and enterprise.
He warned that no nation that undervalues its technical workforce can make industrial progress.
The lawmaker further criticised the stagnation faced by HND holders and said the country must reposition polytechnic education as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He also called on Nigerians to discard the view that polytechnics serve only as options for those unable to enter universities, saying such perceptions were outdated.
Laguda added that major global economies, including Germany, Japan and China, have excelled by placing strong emphasis on technical education. He recommended regular curriculum reviews to align HND programmes with industry needs and advocated the creation of a National Polytechnic Commission.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, reaffirmed the board’s support for ongoing reforms. Bugaje, represented by Mr Bashir Dati, praised the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni for hosting the lecture and encouraged continued engagement on the issue.
He noted that the persistent dichotomy posed a major setback to national development and industrial growth.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Chioma Awuzie, said the enrollment rate in polytechnics had already begun to decline due to the disparity. She appealed to government authorities to intervene promptly so as to prevent a collapse of the polytechnic system.
”We urge the government to enable the polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology to graduating students to end the dichotomy between HND and Degree certificates.”
Awuzie applauded the Alumni Association for initiating the lecture, noting that the skills polytechnic graduates acquire remain part of NBTE’s enduring contributions.
Earlier, the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Nze Henry Nnebe, attributed the continued dichotomy to disunity among polytechnic graduates and urged them to close ranks in pursuit of reforms.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Abuja branch of the association, Mr Nnabuchi Nnabuchi, said the disparity had undermined merit and professionalism, adding that it had prevented many HND holders, especially in the civil service, from reaching career heights.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of merit awards to several distinguished Nigerians, including Rep. Kayode Laguda, Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe and Mrs Gloria Onyeakazi. Others honoured included Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the House Majority Leader, and Rep. Unyime Idem, for their dedication to duty and commitment to social justice.
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