The Federal Government has announced plans to finally abolish the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree holders, a move expected to significantly reform Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Under the proposed reform, accredited polytechnics will be empowered to award bachelor’s degrees, placing them on the same academic and professional footing as universities. The policy shift is aimed at ending decades of discrimination faced by HND holders in employment, career progression, and public service appointments. s reports,
Education sector officials disclosed that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s technical and vocational education framework and align it with global best practices.
According to the government, in many advanced economies, polytechnics and universities operate as complementary institutions, each fulfilling distinct but equally valued roles in national development, innovation, and workforce training.
For years, education stakeholders have criticised the HND–degree divide, describing it as unfair and counterproductive. Critics argue that the dichotomy has undermined technical education, discouraged enrolment in polytechnics, and devalued graduates with strong hands-on and industry-focused training.
The proposed reform is expected to enhance the status of polytechnic education, strengthen skills development, and improve the employability of graduates in both local and international labour markets.
Analysts believe the policy, if fully implemented, could help reposition Nigeria’s education system to better meet the demands of industrial growth, technological advancement, and economic diversification.
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