The Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has advocated the need for polytechnics in Nigeria to award Bachelor of Technology degrees to replace the current Higher National Diploma (HND).
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri, who made the call during a colloquium organised by the Delta State Polytechnic, noted that the HND holder spends two years at the National Diploma (ND), does one-year industrial attachment, and returns to do the HND for two years, totaling five years, as against four years of studying a similar course at the university level.
According to him, the ordinary-level entry requirements for ND, HND, and first degree are the same, just as the degree curricula and those of the polytechnic are similar.
“The polytechnics can retain their names as polytechnics, however, the ND should be the basic requirement for admission into the polytechnic degree programmes,” he stated.
Ufuophu-Biri, a Mass Communication and Journalism professor, further pointed out that polytechnic degree awards will promote polytechnic and technology education in Nigeria, as more people will be motivated to study in polytechnics, which are places for technology and innovation initiatives and development.
“The dichotomisation of the HND and first degree, which overtly and covertly tends to inferiorise the HND, is a silent killer of polytechnic education in Nigeria, and by wider implication, the stunting of technological growth and development,” he said.
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri further said that many polytechnics outside Nigeria award degrees, even as far as doctorate degrees.
He commended the high standard of polytechnic education in the country, which contributes to graduates of a Nigeria polytechnic being admitted to study for higher degrees outside Nigeria.
“The nomenclature of HND is sometimes subject to interpretation or verification outside Nigeria, unlike the word “degree” that has universal knowledgeability, recognition and acceptability,” he said.
According to Prof. Ufuophu-Biri, changing the nomenclature to B. Tech will reinforce the urge for technology and innovation education in Nigeria, which will soon move Nigeria into the realm of China and India in technology education and advancement.
