The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, has criticised the persistent disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualifications in Nigeria, describing it as a reflection of underdevelopment.
In an interview in Abuja, Bugaje expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress despite numerous efforts to eliminate discrimination against HND holders.
“Many attempts have been made to address the HND–BSc dichotomy, but it continues to persist. This in itself reflects a lack of development,” he said.
He observed that such discrimination is absent in developed countries, where HND holders are not denied opportunities for career advancement.
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Bugaje highlighted one of NBTE’s key interventions a policy allowing HND holders to be employed in polytechnics as Assistant Lecturers, correcting a long-standing imbalance.
“In the past, polytechnic graduates were only accepted as technologists, while university graduates were employed as lecturers and progressed through the ranks to become chief lecturers and rectors. This was both unfair and unjustifiable,” he stated.
“With the new scheme of service, HND holders can now begin their academic careers as Assistant Lecturers, which helps redress the previous inequality.”
He also spoke about the anti-dichotomy bill, which nearly became law under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but was not signed.
In light of ongoing setbacks, Bugaje said stakeholders have proposed the introduction of a Bachelor of Technology, Honours (B.Tech Hons) degree to be awarded by polytechnics.
“If the dichotomy cannot be resolved, we should be allowed to confer technology degrees in polytechnics. We will retain the National Diploma (ND) as the terminal qualification for technicians, and those wishing to progress further may enrol in the B.Tech Honours programme,” he said.
Bugaje explained that the B.Tech Honours would distinguish itself from the conventional BSc by being grounded in character, learning, and practical skills, as opposed to universities which typically focus on character and learning.
He revealed that a Bill to amend the Polytechnic Act to accommodate the new structure had already passed first reading at the National Assembly, with a public hearing anticipated shortly.
He expressed hope that the bill would be passed and signed into law before the end of the year.
Drawing comparisons with South Africa, Bugaje noted that polytechnics there already offer a range of qualifications, including ND, HND, B.Tech, and even PhDs, and suggested that Nigeria should adopt a similar model.
“Some of our polytechnics already have more doctorate holders than certain universities. Why then should we deny them the opportunity to expand their academic offerings?” he asked.
He also noted that Nigeria’s Colleges of Education already have the dual mandate to award Bachelor of Education degrees following the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and advocated for a parallel structure within the polytechnic system.
Bugaje called on the public and relevant stakeholders to support the proposed reforms in order to advance the technical education sector in Nigeria.
