FG moves to end HND dichotomy, empowers Polytechnics to award Degrees
The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND)–Bachelor’s degree dichotomy by empowering polytechnics across the country to award degrees.
The move, described as a major education reform, is aimed at repositioning technical and vocational education as a critical driver of Nigeria’s industrialisation, innovation and economic growth.
According to the government, the policy seeks to address years of discrimination against polytechnic graduates in employment, career progression and remuneration, while also strengthening the capacity of polytechnics to deliver industry-relevant skills.
Officials explained that allowing polytechnics to award degrees would align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global best practices, where technical institutions are recognised as centres of excellence for applied learning and professional training.
The reform is also expected to enhance the attractiveness of polytechnic education, encourage enrolment, and better equip graduates with practical skills needed to meet labour market demands.
Stakeholders in the education sector have long called for the removal of the HND dichotomy, arguing that it undermines the morale of polytechnic graduates and limits the nation’s ability to harness technical manpower for development.
The Federal Government assured that the transition would be carefully implemented through relevant regulatory agencies to ensure quality, standardisation and international competitiveness of degrees awarded by polytechnics.
If fully implemented, the policy is expected to mark a turning point in Nigeria’s higher education landscape and boost the status of technical and vocational education nationwide.
