The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, has condemned the persistent dichotomy between the Higher National Diploma (HND) and the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees in Nigeria, describing it as a clear indication of the country’s underdevelopment.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Bugaje expressed deep concern over the continued discrimination against HND holders, despite numerous efforts to bridge the divide.

 

“Extensive efforts have been made to dismantle the B.Sc.–HND dichotomy. Its continued existence is a glaring sign of underdevelopment,” he said. “In advanced countries, such discrimination simply doesn’t exist. HND holders are given equal opportunities to progress to the highest levels in their careers.”

 

Bugaje highlighted a key policy change by the NBTE, which now permits HND holders to be employed in polytechnics as Assistant Lecturers—a position previously reserved for university graduates.

 

“In the past, polytechnic graduates were relegated to roles as technologists, while university graduates occupied academic positions and climbed the ranks to become Chief Lecturers and Rectors—even in polytechnics,” he said. “This was both unfair and unjustifiable. But we’ve broken that barrier. Today, HND holders can now be appointed as Assistant Lecturers under the new scheme of service.”

 

He also recalled the near passage of an anti-dichotomy bill during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which ultimately failed to secure presidential assent.

 

In light of these setbacks, Bugaje revealed that stakeholders are now proposing the introduction of a Bachelor of Technology Honours (B.Tech Hons) degree in polytechnics as a strategic alternative.

 

“If the dichotomy cannot be resolved, then let polytechnics award their own degrees,” he asserted. “We will retain the National Diploma (ND) as the terminal qualification for technicians, while those seeking advanced qualifications can pursue the B.Tech Honours.”

 

He stressed that the B.Tech Hons degree would be distinct from the traditional B.Sc., with a curriculum centered on character, learning, and skills, in contrast to the university focus on character and learning alone.

 

To facilitate this transition, a bill to amend the Polytechnic Act has already passed its first reading in the National Assembly, with a public hearing expected in the near future. Bugaje expressed confidence that the bill would be signed into law before the end of the year.

 

Citing South Africa as a model, Bugaje noted that polytechnics there offer a range of qualifications—from ND and HND to B.Tech and even PhDs. “Some of our polytechnics already boast more doctorate holders than some universities. So why deny them the opportunity to grow?” he asked.

 

He also pointed out that Nigeria’s Colleges of Education now have the authority to award Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degrees following the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and urged a similar dual mandate for polytechnics.

 

Bugaje concluded by calling on the public to support the proposed reforms, emphasizing their importance for equity, national development, and the full recognition of technical education in Nigeria.