The federal government has condemned the ongoing workplace discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, advocating for equal treatment alongside Bachelor’s of Science (BSc) degree holders.
Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, addressed this issue at a one-day dialogue focused on the future of HNDs in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
He emphasised that it is unjust to discriminate against individuals trained with the necessary skills to perform effectively in their jobs.
In 2021, the National Assembly passed the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters.”
Despite its passage, former President Muhammadu Buhari did not sign the bill into law before his tenure ended.
The bill aimed to eliminate the bias against polytechnic graduates in employment and promotions, a longstanding issue that stakeholders have been striving to resolve.
Sununu highlighted the persistent challenges faced by HND holders, attributing them to societal biases that prioritise paper qualifications over practical competence. However, he expressed confidence that ongoing educational reforms would eventually address these issues and promote inclusivity.
To support this, the National Council on Establishments (NCE) recently integrated the National Skills Qualification framework (NSQ), emphasizing skills-based qualifications in federal service schemes. The new Performance Management System (PMS) by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also underscores competence over mere possession of degrees.
Sununu urged participants at the dialogue to challenge the outdated belief in the superiority of certain qualifications over HNDs, advocating for the recognition of HND holders’ contributions to national development.
He noted that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been proactive in promoting skills acquisition among HND holders.
Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the unwarranted discrimination against HND holders. He highlighted the importance of the dialogue in addressing long-standing issues.
Philip Ogunsipe, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, pointed out that societal acceptance of HNDs is crucial for resolving these problems. He called for the bill to be enacted into law to eliminate discrimination and suggested that polytechnics should offer exclusive programs to enhance their appeal.
Shammah Kpanja, President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, emphasised that the discrimination affects not just students but the entire polytechnic sector. He advocated for transitioning HND programmes to Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees, ensuring these certifications are specialised and valued.
Kpanja also stressed the need for the NBTE to enhance its supervisory role, ensuring that polytechnics have the necessary infrastructure and manpower for national growth and development.
The dialogue concluded with a strong call for the implementation of reforms that would provide HND holders with equal opportunities and recognition in the Nigerian workforce.
