By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In Nigeria, a longstanding issue has persisted concerning the divide between two major academic qualifications – the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and the Higher National Diploma (HND). This disparity has created unequal opportunities for individuals seeking employment and career growth.
The debate over the recognition and relevance of HND holders in comparison to their B.Sc. counterparts has been a topic of contention for decades. In an effort to promote equal opportunities and bridge the gap between these qualifications, it is crucial for Nigeria to address this issue comprehensively and offer a level playing field for all qualified individuals.
In a landmark move to address this discrepancy, the Nigerian House of Representatives and Senate have jointly put forth a resolution to promote equal opportunities and eradicate the divide between Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications. This critical step aims to bridge the gap between these two educational qualifications, ensuring that individuals with HND credentials are not disadvantaged in the job market and are offered the same professional prospects as their B.Sc. counterparts.
However, the Head of the Media Unit of the National Board for Technical Education (NBT), Mrs. Fatima Abubakar on Monday, 14 August, told newsmen that the Higher National Diploma (HND) holders would be able to convert their certification to Bachelor’s Degree through online top-up for one year, with foreign accredited universities.
Abu Bakar explained how interested candidates could go about the conversion, but I have disputed this idea as I feel that the HND certificate holders went through technical, practical, and theoretical studies before they graduated.
So, they don’t need this rigorous one-year study before the discrepancy between the B.Sc and the HND could be settled. What Nigerians need now, especially the HND certificate holders, is the intervention of the National Assembly.
Some of the reasons students of higher institutions of learning, especially the holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification, would love the legislature to re-address the issue after the completion of the screening of the ministerial nominees that the current dichotomy between B.Sc. and HND qualifications has long been a contentious issue in the country.
Graduates with B.Sc. degrees typically have greater access to job opportunities, career advancement, and higher salaries, while those with HND certificates often face limited options and lower remuneration, despite their technical expertise. This disparity has led to frustration among HND holders, resulting in a need for legislative intervention to level the playing field and foster a fair and meritocratic society.
A Higher National Diploma is a vocational qualification offered by various educational institutions, providing practical knowledge and skills relevant to specific industries. Conversely, a Bachelor of Science degree is typically a more academic and research-oriented qualification, offering broader theoretical knowledge. Despite the valuable hands-on experience gained from HND programs, many employers still prioritize B.Sc. graduates, perpetuating the belief that theoretical learning holds more weight than practical expertise.
One of the primary reasons behind this divide lies in the misconceptions surrounding HND qualifications. Some employers view HND holders as lacking in essential theoretical knowledge, assuming that their education is less rigorous compared to B.Sc. graduates. This baseless prejudice not only undermines the efforts of HND students but also hampers the business world from benefiting from their specialized skills and industry-specific training.
However, to bridge the gap between B.Sc. and HND qualifications, it is vital for educational institutions and employers to collaborate and create more comprehensive recognition frameworks. By establishing transparent equivalency standards, the industry can better appreciate the value of both types of qualifications and offer equal opportunities for all graduates, regardless of their educational path.
Governments and policymakers also play a crucial role in promoting equal opportunities. Encouraging companies to adopt inclusive hiring practices that assess candidates based on their skills and experience, rather than solely on their academic background, can lead to a more diverse and innovative workforce. Additionally, offering financial incentives to businesses that employ HND holders can further motivate them to embrace these inclusive practices.
Institutions should also invest in promoting awareness about the benefits of HND qualifications among employers and society at large. Creating platforms for HND graduates to showcase their achievements and contributions can dispel misconceptions and foster a culture of recognition for their specialized skills and knowledge.
Moreover, academic institutions should review and update their HND curricula to align with industry demands and technological advancements. This will ensure that HND graduates are equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge, enhancing their employability and competitiveness in the job market.
The media also plays an essential role in shaping public perception. By highlighting success stories of individuals with HND qualifications who have excelled in their careers and made significant contributions to their fields, the media can contribute to changing the narrative and eradicating the stigma associated with these qualifications.
Finally, the House of Representatives and Senate need a joint effort to swiftly passed the bill that will make the promotion of equal opportunities for Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications holders in the labor market.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe just graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.