In order to end the BSC/HND dichotomy before he leaves office on May 29, 2023, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics pleaded with President Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to sign the bill into law.
In an interview with newsmen yesterday in Abuja, Comrade Anderson Ezeibe, National President of ASUP, who made the proposal, claimed that the dichotomy was to blame for young Nigerians’ lack of interest in polytechnic education in the nation.
The measure aims to make it illegal for polytechnic graduates to be treated differently from their university counterparts when applying for jobs and getting promoted at work.
The bill also aims to put an end to the prejudice that stakeholders at polytechnics have long wanted to eradicate.
The bill, which was introduced by Senator Ayo Akinyelure, passed its third reading.
Speaking on the bill, Chairman of the Joint Committee, Ibrahim Shekarau (APC, Kano Central), said,
“The enactment of the bill to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degrees and Higher National Diploma for the purpose of employment in Nigeria will no doubt freeholders of HND from stagnation and ensure balanced treatment with their counterparts from other higher tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
He said: “We are urging President Buhari to go ahead and sign that bill into law. That is another way of saving this sector. As we speak, the Roman figures are dropping significantly so because the sector is losing its attraction to young people.
“So we expect him to sign this bill. Other stakeholders in the sector have also been calling for him to do so. It will be an enduring legacy if Mr. President succeeds in doing this before he leaves office.”
