For polytechnic students and graduates, the long-standing divide between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) has been a source of frustration for decades.
Now, the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, is urging the Federal Government to fully implement degree-awarding status for polytechnics across Nigeria.
Speaking on Sunday during a pre-Annual General Meeting held via Zoom, Abiodun highlighted the transformative potential of ending the HND/BSc gap.
“When the milestones of degree-awarding status and HND/BSc dichotomy are reached, history will be created and made by our amiable President. He will be remembered for restoring the dignity of technological education and creating a level playing field for all Nigerian graduates,” he said.
He also praised the renewed attention of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa to the polytechnic sector, calling it recognition of polytechnics as the backbone of technological advancement in Nigeria.
Recently, the Federal Government unveiled plans to grant polytechnics degree-awarding authority. The move is expected to attract stronger industry collaboration, increased funding, and greater public trust.
Dr Alausa, speaking at a high-level retreat with rectors, commissioners, and governing council chairmen, described the initiative as historic.
“It will end years of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education landscape,” he said.
The reform is designed to maintain polytechnics’ practical, industry-oriented approach while enhancing workforce readiness, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on employment generation, industrial growth, and human capital development.
Abiodun also called on alumni to stay united and mentor current students.
“Our primary focus must remain the development of Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and the welfare of our members. We must keep our colourful flag flying high. I urge you to mentor our current students, encouraging them to refrain from actions that could diminish the hard-earned reputation of our great institution,” he said.
He praised the institution’s management and alumni for landmark achievements in infrastructure, student support, and corporate social responsibility, noting that contributions from members have built a strong, resilient alumni network.
Other leaders in the alumni body, including Vice President Moses Bominuru and state chapter chairmen, lauded Abiodun’s leadership for raising the profile of the association and strengthening mentorship across generations.
For polytechnic students and graduates, the proposed degree-awarding reform is more than a policy change — it could finally bridge the HND/BSc gap, enhance recognition, and improve career prospects.
If implemented effectively, it promises a more level playing field, where practical skills and academic qualifications carry equal weight in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.