ASUP proffers solutions to HND/BSc disparity 

The long-decried prejudicial dichotomy between holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelors Degree has again been brought to the fore.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) is proposing a new solution to the disparity between the two academic qualifications, which over time has seen holders of the HND endure various kinds of career limitations. The subject was raised during the award presentation and farewell ceremony organized by the Makarfi Chapter of ASUP, to mark the transition of the Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi (SICHSTM) into Kaduna State University (KASU). 

What solution are they proposing? 

The president of ASUP, Anderson Ezeibe, urged the federal government to accredit Polytechnics in the country to become degree-awarding institutions, awarding Bachelor of Technology degrees. According to Ezeibe, in addition to helping to end the HND/Degree disparity, the measure would help to address the under-utilization of technical equipment in workshops, laboratories, and other facilities in public polytechnics, as it would make Polytechnics more appealing to prospective higher institution students. 

Decrying the unfair treatment of HND holders in various industries, including the public sector, the ASUP president argued that there’s no justification for the continued existence of Polytechnics as Diploma awarding institutions since their products are subjected to all kinds of career limitations. “Policymakers have made it a rule that once an individual has an HND, he cannot attain the peak of his/her career, then why are they continuing to force it on people, why don’t they phase it out and replace it with Bachelor of Technology, “he said.