The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Kayode Laguda, has demanded the abolition of the lingering HND/BSc dichotomy to address the injustice in the academic system.
The lawmaker made the call on Saturday in Abuja as a keynote speaker at the maiden Bi-annual Lecture Series/Awards, organised by the Federal Polytechnics Oko, Alumni Association, Abuja branch, with the theme, “HND/Bsc Dichotomy: Matters Arising”.
Laguda reiterated the need for a renewed commitment to prohibiting the HND/BSc dichotomy by taking steps to create awareness, support research and create room for innovation in Nigeria’s polytechnics.
He noted that he had already sponsored a bill titled “Higher National Diploma Discrimination (Prohibition) Bill, 2024” to address what he described as “long-standing injustice”.
“In response to this long-standing injustice, I took the bold step of sponsoring the bill which has already passed crucial stages in the National Assembly.
“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 explained that the Bill was tailored to prohibit discrimination in both public and private sectors, with prescribed penalties for individuals or institutions that continue to perpetuate the bias.
According to him, the move is not just a piece of legislation but a statement of national intent.
Laguda called for a collaboration among stakeholders to get the HND/Degree Dichotomy Bill to improve contributions of Polytechnics in Nigeria to national creativity, excellence and enterprise.
He emphasised the need to recognise that a nation that undermines its technical experts cannot advance industrially.
The lawmaker who frowned at the stagnation and relegation of HND holders, said it was imperative to re-image polytechnic education as the engine room of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
