NBTE Boss Advocates Bachelor’s Degrees for Polytechnics to End HND Discrimination

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Idris Bugaje, has reiterated the need for polytechnics in Nigeria to award bachelor’s degrees, arguing that the transition would help eliminate the long-standing discrimination against holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND).

His remarks come as the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed a bill through its second reading seeking to grant polytechnics the authority to award bachelor’s degrees.

In an interview, Bugaje criticized the widespread perception that university degrees are superior to HNDs, describing it as a “Nigerian mentality” that hinders the career growth of polytechnic graduates.

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He highlighted the disparity in career progression, noting that HND holders in the public service often find it difficult to rise beyond Grade Level 14, while their university counterparts can attain directorship positions despite having comparable qualifications.

“At the moment, an HND holder in public service cannot go beyond Grade Level 14, whereas a university graduate can rise to become a director. There is no real practical reason for this,” Bugaje stated.

To address this challenge, the NBTE is advocating for a gradual phase-out of HND programs in favor of Bachelor of Technology degrees. These degrees, he explained, would integrate theoretical knowledge, character development, and hands-on skills, providing polytechnic graduates with equal career opportunities.

Bugaje cited successful models in countries like Ghana and South Africa, where polytechnics already offer both HNDs and bachelor’s degrees, allowing students to choose based on their career goals.

“This will be a degree distinct from university degrees. In universities, degrees are awarded based on character and learning. In polytechnics, we shall award degrees based on character, learning, and skills,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience during a sabbatical in South Africa, Bugaje noted that students there had the option to pursue either qualification. He emphasized that implementing a similar system in Nigeria would provide polytechnic graduates with clearer career pathways, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies and attain top leadership positions.

(Platinum Post)