Senate moves to end HND disparity, empowers federal polytechnics to award degrees

The Senate has approved an amendment to the Federal Polytechnic Act to empower federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes.

The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) during Thursday’s plenary, seeking the reconsideration and amendment of provisions of the Act relating to degree-awarding powers, the appointment and tenure of rectors, and the definition of a minister responsible for education.

The amendment expands the qualifications federal polytechnics may award beyond the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND), allowing them to award B.Tech. degrees to eligible holders of ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Key provisions of the amendment

Under the amended Section 2(1)(c), federal polytechnics would be empowered to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes to holders of ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma qualifications.

Read Also:

KSP Partners JOSTUM to Offer PGD Courses in Management, Social Sciences

Gaya Polytechnic to Begin with Four Courses as Committee Eyes Year-End Take-Off

Kano Polytechnic announces 2026/2027 part-time admission, lists available courses

The provision states that the degrees would be awarded subject to accreditation by the NUC and other relevant regulatory bodies.

The amendment also revises Section 8 of the Act, which governs the appointment and tenure of rectors in federal polytechnics.

Under the revised provision, a polytechnic’s governing council would appoint a rector for an initial five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final term of four years.

In addition, Section 31 is amended to redefine a minister as an officer responsible for education.

Moving the motion, Bamidele argued that certain provisions of Sections 2, 8 and 31 required further legislative scrutiny to provide administrative clarity and establish a comprehensive legal framework.

He consequently urged the Senate to recommit the Act to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration and amendment.

The proposed changes were considered without opposition from senators. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently put the amended provisions to a voice vote, which was carried in favour.

Implications for HND holders

The development could mark a significant step in efforts to address the longstanding disparity between university degree holders and graduates of polytechnics in Nigeria.

HND holders have historically faced differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities and eligibility for certain positions in parts of the public and private sectors, despite obtaining their qualifications from recognised tertiary institutions.

In the federal civil service, a March 2018 circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation addressed the entry of HND holders at Salary Grade Level 08. However, career progression and movement into certain officer positions have remained subject to applicable schemes of service and public service rules.

The issue has also attracted legislative attention. In 2023, the House of Representatives raised concerns about alleged disparities in the promotion of HND and degree holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and called on the relevant authorities to comply with existing directives.

The latest Senate action introduces another potential pathway for polytechnic graduates to obtain bachelor’s degrees through their institutions, subject to the prescribed admission requirements and regulatory approvals.

However, the extent to which the amendment will address the challenges faced by HND holders will depend on its final legislative status, implementation by federal polytechnics, accreditation arrangements and recognition of the new qualifications by employers.

(Premium Times)