HND Dichotomy: FG Breaks Most Expected News For Polytechnics Education

This may be about the most expected news for polytechnics education and graduates of the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the country.

The HND dichotomy that has placed hurdles on the career and academic progression of polytechnics education graduates appears set to become a thing of the past.

The federal government in Abuja yesterday, announced plans to empower polytechnics to award degrees and not just HND certificates.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the move in key stakeholders in the education sector, which included commissioners of education, rectors, registrars bursars and council chairmen.

He spoke at a retreat with the theme: “Transforming Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Innovation, Good Governance and Sustainability for National Development”.

Harping on the the importance of polytechnics education to the skills development quests of the nation, he said the removal of the dichotomy would elevate polytechnics into centres of excellence.

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For Nigeria to be competitive it woulkd need an education that promotes skills-based training which he said is a core content of polytechnics education.

He identified job creation, industrial growth and human capital development as key components of education at the stream saying it also aligns with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged polytechnic leaders to entrench innovation through entrepreneurship centres, research hubs and robust industry partnerships, identifying renewable energy, agri-technology, digital manufacturing and climate-resilient solutions as priority areas.

The latest development would be a welcome development to poly graduates who before now have been marginalised and discriminated against.