Fg scraps award of hnd certificates by nigerian polytechnics

A very specific and important topic!

FG scraps award of HND certificates by Nigerian polytechnics: What does it mean?

In 2019, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced that it would no longer recognize Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates awarded by polytechnics in the country. This decision was made in a bid to harmonize the education system and ensure that all graduates from polytechnics and universities are treated equally.

Prior to this announcement, HND certificates were considered to be of lower status than Bachelor's degrees awarded by universities. This meant that HND holders often faced challenges when seeking employment or further education opportunities.

The scrapping of HND certificates by polytechnics means that:

  1. Polytechnics will no longer award HND certificates.
  2. Students who are currently pursuing HND programs will be allowed to complete their programs, but they will not receive HND certificates upon graduation.
  3. New students who wish to pursue technical and vocational education will be required to enroll in National Innovative Diploma (NID) programs, which are designed to be more industry-focused and relevant to the needs of the economy.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the education sector in Nigeria. Some of the potential benefits include:

  1. Increased recognition of polytechnic graduates: By scrapping HND certificates, the government is acknowledging that polytechnic graduates are just as qualified as university graduates.
  2. Improved employability: With the scrapping of HND certificates, polytechnic graduates will have an easier time finding employment, as they will be considered on par with university graduates.
  3. Enhanced industry relevance: The introduction of NID programs is expected to provide students with more practical and industry-focused skills, making them more attractive to employers.

However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of this decision, including:

  1. Disruption to existing programs: The scrapping of HND certificates may cause disruption to existing programs and may require polytechnics to restructure their curricula and programs.
  2. Loss of autonomy: Polytechnics may lose their autonomy to award their own certificates, which could lead to a loss of control over their academic programs.
  3. Increased costs: The introduction of NID programs may require polytechnics to invest in new infrastructure and resources, which could increase costs for students and the institutions themselves.

Overall, the scrapping of HND certificates by Nigerian polytechnics is a significant development that is expected to have far-reaching implications for the education sector in Nigeria. While there are potential benefits to the decision, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts.