Reps Move to End First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) Dichotomy

The House of Represen­tatives yesterday passed for Second Reading a Bill seeking to end the age-long dichotomy between HND/ Bsc.
The bill, sponsored by Hon Ali Isa (Gombe) and Edward Pwajok (Plateau) was entitled “ A Bill for an Act to abolish the dichotomy between First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas in the same profes­sion/ field and for related mat­ters”.

Debating on the bill, Isa said HND holders in the country over the years have suffered serious discrimination, which in turn has affected their ca­reer progression.
He said, while a First-De­gree holder in the country is employed at Grade level 8 and could get to Grade 17, the HND holder is employed at Grade level 7 and cannot ex­ceed Grade level 14.
The lawmaker argued that the dichotomy has so far not affected only career progres­sion of HND, but also affected the technological develop­ment of the country, as most students now shy away from polytechnic education.
He explained that abolition of the dichotomy will give a boost to the nation’s techno­logical advancement.
“It will enable HND hold­ers to attain the highest level in their career both in the public and private sectors and make their certificates respected outside Nigeria.”
Also, speaking, Pwajok said that there is no justification for the dichotomy that exists be­tween First Degree and HND.
He argued that HND is equivalent to First Degree and stated that the Bill is neces­sary to end the discrimination against Polytechnic graduates.
Speaking against the bill, Rep Diri Douye (Bayelsa- PDP) said the course content for a First Degree and HND is different.
“The HND curriculum is drawn differently from degree curriculum. We should look at policy differentials rather than legislative. We actually cannot sit down here and legislate on this”, he said.