Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Kayode Laguda, has called for the abolition of the HND BSc divide, describing it as an injustice in Nigeria’s education system.
He made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the maiden Bi annual Lecture Series and Awards of the Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association, Abuja branch. The theme of the event was “HND BSc Dichotomy: Matters Arising”.
Laguda emphasised the need for renewed commitment to ending the divide by promoting awareness, supporting research, and creating more space for innovation in polytechnics.
He said he had sponsored the “Higher National Diploma Discrimination Prohibition Bill 2024” to address the longstanding disparity.
“The goal is to ensure that holders of HND and BSc qualifications are treated equally for employment, promotion, and further studies,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the bill seeks to eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors, with penalties for those who perpetuate bias.
He described the legislation as a statement of national intent.
Laguda urged stakeholders to collaborate to push the bill forward, stressing that polytechnics must be empowered to contribute fully to national productivity.
He warned that a nation that undermines its technical experts cannot industrialise.
He criticised the relegation of HND holders and urged a reimagining of polytechnic education as a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation.
He also recommended curriculum reviews and the creation of a National Polytechnic Commission to strengthen the sector.
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