The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to take the bulls by the horns and abolish the disparity between Higher National Diploma and bachelor’s degrees in the country.
President of the association, Dr Benjamin Achiatar in an interview in Abuja, stressed that the removal of the dichotomy by the National Council on Establishment lacks proper legal backing, leading to poor implementation.
He recalled that the 9th Senate passed a Bill addressing the issue, but it was never signed into law. He, therefore, called on the 10th National Assembly to revisit the legislation and ensure it is presented to the president for assent.
Achiatar pointed out that the divide between HND and bachelor’s degree holders has led to a decrease in applications to polytechnics, as reflected in records from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.
He emphasised the critical role of technical education in driving industrialization, highlighting the unique practical training polytechnics offer. He urged the government to prioritise technology and technical education, noting that dwindling interest in the sector is affecting economic growth.
He also stressed the need for incentives to encourage students to pursue HND programs, adding that government policies currently favour university education.
The association further backed the call for the National Board for Technical Education to be upgraded to a commission. Achiatar explained that the conversion would enable the body to collaborate with the National Universities Commission for accreditation, allowing polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees and attract more students.
NAN
