Is HND Equivalent to BSc in Nigeria?
The critical question – is HND equivalent to BSc in Nigeria? – has been settled. The Nigerian Senate passed a legislative bill that puts an end to the discrimination between a University degree (BSc) and the Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate holders for students in Nigeria.
The Joint Committee on Establishment and Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), presented a report during the session, which the Senate approved. The bill empowers holders of HND certificates to access jobs as would any graduate with a BSc degree while maintaining a balanced treatment with their counterparts from other higher tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
By eliminating this dichotomy between HND holders and university degree graduates, the manpower needs of Nigerian industries will be met. This ensures social justice and improves corporate governance while encouraging patriotic contributions among HND employees in both the public and private sectors.
Is HND Equivalent to BSc in Nigeria? What this means for graduates
The issue of discrimination between Bsc and HND holders has been ongoing for many years, but this new law serves as motivation for polytechnic HND graduates.
While the question has been addressed – is HND equivalent to BSc in Nigeria in the affirmative, whether the public and private sectors start implementing the provisions of the bill is questionable.
The House of Representatives has put in place compliance measures to fine anybody or organization discriminating against HND holders because HND is equivalent to BSc. Corporate organisations will be fined five million naira, individual offenders will be fined one million naira.
According to provisions of the bill, “First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas for the same profession or fields will be the same and will receive the same treatment.” “Holders of First Degrees and Higher National Diplomas for the same profession or field will get equal treatment and opportunity for career placements, progressions, admission to further studies and in any other form whatsoever in consideration of status as graduates of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions of Higher Learning.”
Is HND in Nigeria recognised overseas as equivalent to BSc?
A Nigerian HND is recognised overseas as an academic qualification. In the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) in the UK, the award of an HND is equivalent to completing two years of a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, a Bachelor’s degree is a level 6 qualification that normally takes three years to complete as a full-time student.
You may also be interested in these articles:
