The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Kayode Laguda, has renewed the call for the abolition of the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma and university degree holders, describing it as an injustice that weakens the nation’s technical capacity.
Laguda made the demand 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 Chapter. The event had the theme, “HND/BSc Dichotomy: Matters Arising.”
He said the persistent discrimination against HND holders had outlived its time, stressing that the country must embrace reforms that allow polytechnics to thrive as centres of innovation and technical excellence.
According to him, he has already sponsored the Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024, which has scaled major stages in the National Assembly.
“In response to this long-standing injustice, I took the bold step of sponsoring the Bill,” he said. “The goal is to ensure that holders of HND and BSc qualifications are treated equally for employment, promotion and further studies.”
Laguda said the Bill seeks to outlaw discrimination against HND holders in both the public and private sectors, with penalties for institutions or individuals who continue the practice.
He noted that the proposed legislation represents more than policy reform, describing it as “a statement of national intent.”
He urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the passage and implementation of the Bill, adding that Nigeria’s journey to industrial growth depends heavily on valuing its technical workforce.
The lawmaker condemned the relegation and career stagnation faced by HND graduates, insisting that Nigeria must “re-image polytechnic education as the engine room of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
He said it was time to discard the outdated perception of polytechnics as second-choice institutions for those unable to secure university admission, stressing that global economic leaders such as Germany, Japan and China have prospered by prioritising technical education.
Laguda also recommended periodic review of the HND curriculum to align with industry demands and called for the establishment of a National Polytechnic Commission to strengthen the sector.
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“No nation can industrialise without respecting and empowering its technical experts,” he said.
