House of Representatives passes bill to end dichotomy between HND and university
The House of Representatives has passed a bill probing to end the dichotomy between university degrees and the Higher National Diplomas awarded by polytechnics.
The bill proposes to make it a crime for any person or organization, both in the public and private sectors, to discriminate against HND certificate holders. It passed the third reading at the plenary on Tuesday the 23rd of November 2021.
On equity of First Degree and HND in Nigeria, the bill says,
“Notwithstanding any provision in any legislation, circular, regulation or policy guideline, First Degree and Higher National Diploma shall be deemed construed and treated as equivalent qualification for employment and career progression at workplace in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.”
“Any provision in-laws, enactments, instruments, circulars, scheme of service, directives, or policies by whatever name called, which is inconsistent with the provisions of this bill, shall to the extent of the inconsistency be null and void, and of no effect. Holders of the First Degree and the Higher National Diploma (HND) shall be given equal treatment and opportunity in career placements, career progression, admission to further studies, and privileges whatsoever in consideration of status as graduates of Nigeria tertiary institutions of higher learning.”
It also stated
“No person, authority, entity (body or corporate) in whatsoever name call shall discriminate and or undertake any action in any form whatsoever which is misconstrued as and or intended to give any preferential treatment in favor of and/or against holders of the First Degree or the Higher National Diploma. Any person or entity in the public or private sectors of the Nigerian economy who contravenes the provisions of this bill commits an offense under this bill and shall be liable upon conviction to a term of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of N1,000,000 or both.”