The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced on Thursday, November 21, that the House is working on a bill to criminalise discrimination against holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Bachelor’s Degrees (BSc) in Nigeria......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
He spoke during the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos.
Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, a member of the House from Lagos state, was made a Fellow of the College.
As reported by Vanguard, the Speaker emphasized the importance of education, especially vocational and technical education in the country’s advancement.
Abbas also mentioned that the House is increasing funding for the education sector and taking steps to eliminate the dichotomy between HND and BSc holders.
“We know the importance of education and what the country would gain by promoting vocational and technical education. The country needs people with the skills needed to take it to a higher level. Those who are going to raise the nation’s profile technologically. In view of that, we are increasing funds to the sector.
“Also, we are taking steps by working on the necessary legal framework to criminalise the dichotomy between HND and BSc certificates. There should be equal opportunity for all,” he said.
Polytechnic move to replace HND with Bachelor degree
Meanwhile, Legit reported that rectors and provosts of polytechnics across Nigeria met on Tuesday, May 21, to debate discrimination of HND holders.
The meeting would avail rectors the opportunity to also debate the proposal to replace HND programmes with Bachelors of Technology.
It was also to renew the call on the federal government to assent to the bill seeking the removal of the dichotomy between a Bachelor’s degree and HND.