HND/BSC Dichotomy: Reps Announce Bill to Criminalise Discrimination Between Certificates

• The House of Representatives is working on a bill to criminalise the discrimination between Higher National Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree holders and promote equal opportunities
• House speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced this at the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos
• The speaker also emphasised the importance of promoting vocational and technical education in the country

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Lagos state - The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced on Thursday, November 21, that the House is working on a bill to criminalise discrimination against holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Bachelor’s Degrees (BSc) in Nigeria.

Reps move to end HND/BSc dichotomy

He spoke during the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos.

Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, a member of the House from Lagos state, was made a Fellow of the College.

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As reported by Vanguard, the Speaker emphasized the importance of education, especially vocational and technical education in the country's advancement.

Abbas also mentioned that the House is increasing funding for the education sector and taking steps to eliminate the dichotomy between HND and BSc holders.

“We know the importance of education and what the country would gain by promoting vocational and technical education. The country needs people with the skills needed to take it to a higher level. Those who are going to raise the nation’s profile technologically. In view of that, we are increasing funds to the sector.

“Also, we are taking steps by working on the necessary legal framework to criminalise the dichotomy between HND and BSc certificates. There should be equal opportunity for all,” he said.

Read more on dichotomy between HND, BSc

• Polytechnic students to pass new qualifying exam before graduation
• HND/BSC dichotomy: Poly students give NUC 7 day ultimatum to withdraw opposing statement
• House of Reps passes bill abolishing HND/BSc dichotomy

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Polytechnic move to replace HND with Bachelor degree

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that rectors and provosts of polytechnics across Nigeria met on Tuesday, May 21, to debate discrimination of HND holders.

The meeting would avail rectors the opportunity to also debate the proposal to replace HND programmes with Bachelors of Technology.

It was also to renew the call on the federal government to assent to the bill seeking the removal of the dichotomy between a Bachelor's degree and HND.

Proofread by Kola Muhammed, journalist and copyeditor at Legit.ng

Source: Legit.ng