Nigeria’s long-running Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) dichotomy has recorded a fresh development following the Senate’s approval of amendments to the Federal Polytechnic Act to allow federal polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees in selected technical fields.
The Senate adopted the amendment during plenary on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in a move that could reshape technical education and create new opportunities for polytechnic students and graduates.
The revised legislation empowers federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
However, the decision followed a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who called for further consideration of provisions in the Act to establish a clearer legal framework for the institutions.
Under the amendment, eligible candidates holding National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) or postgraduate diploma qualifications could access the approved degree programmes, provided they meet the applicable admission requirements.
The Senate’s action reverses an earlier position that restricted federal polytechnics to awarding ND and HND qualifications.
Notably, the development does not automatically mean that Nigeria has abolished every form of discrimination against HND holders. The measure concerns the degree-awarding powers of federal polytechnics, while its broader effect on recruitment, salaries, promotion and professional recognition will depend on the final legislation and its implementation.
Government renews push to end discrimination
The latest legislative move follows the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to address the longstanding disparity between university graduates and their polytechnic counterparts.
In January 2026, Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced plans to empower polytechnics to award degrees as part of reforms intended to strengthen technical and vocational education.
The government said the policy would improve the standing of polytechnics and encourage institutions to produce graduates with practical skills that meet Nigeria’s industrial and economic needs.
In February, the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) also urged President Bola Tinubu to support the abolition of the dichotomy through an executive order and legislation.
The association called for reforms that would allow HND holders to advance in their careers without facing restrictions linked to their qualifications.
Earlier, in May, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), South-West zone, gave the National Assembly a 30-day ultimatum over delays in resolving the issue. The group argued that the disparity undermines equal opportunities for polytechnic graduates and weakens the recognition of technical education.
Concerns over employment and career progression
For years, HND holders have raised concerns about differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities and eligibility for certain positions when compared with university degree holders.
Although the Federal Government introduced measures to improve the treatment of HND graduates in the civil service, questions over implementation and career progression have continued.
The proposed expansion of degree-awarding powers could provide another route for technical education reform. However, stakeholders will still need clear guidelines on accreditation, admission, the treatment of existing HND holders and the recognition of new B.Tech qualifications by employers.
The Senate’s decision therefore represents a significant legislative development, but the full impact will depend on the next stages of the lawmaking process and the policies that follow.
For current HND students and graduates, the key question remains whether the reforms will translate into fairer recruitment, promotion and career opportunities across the public and private sectors.
