Ogunseye Timothy, National Vice-President,
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), on
Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government to
end the dichotomy between polytechnic and
university graduates in the country.
Timothy made the appeal on the side line of ASUP
first International Conference hosted by the Lagos
State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Chapter of the
union in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The conference had the theme: “Africa’s Solution to
Africa’s Challenges: Nigeria’s Perspectives’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a
bill for an act seeking to end the dichotomy
between polytechnic and university graduates
passed its second reading at the House of
Representatives on Tuesday.
The bill, which was co-sponsored by Balanga Billiri,
Ali Isa and Edward Pwajok, seek to create equal
opportunities for graduates from universities and
polytechnics, in terms of employment and
promotions.
Timothy said that polytechnic graduates were not
inferior to their university counterparts.
Ogunseye said the unwarranted discriminatory
practice of ranking polytechnic graduates lower than
university graduates was prevalent among some
government agencies and private organizations.
He commended Kano State Government for its
decision not to discriminate but ranked polytechnic
and university graduates equally.
“I do not see any reason why the dichotomy should
continue as the same admission requirement
applies to candidates choosing polytechnics and
universities.
“Reviewing the curricula of tertiary institutions in
terms of practical and other educational contents,
polytechnic graduates are far better than
universities.
“Nigerian graduates are equal, notwithstanding the
schools they attend. However, this discrepancy
between polytechnic and university is worrisome.
“Without doubt, if the discrimination continues, the
country’s technological advancement being the
backbone of any economic growth will be
negatively affected.
“As a matter of fact, there is need for employers to
change their perception towards HND graduates
because BSC holders are not in any way better than
them.
“If care is not taken, competent hands will be short-
changed which would handicap the country’s
progress,’’ he said.
Also speaking on the discrimination, former rector
of Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr Babatunde Iginla,
said removing the dichotomy would encourage
economic independence, employment and stability
in the labor market.


http://thenationonlineng.net/asup-calls-end-dichotomy-polytechnic-university-graduates/

In as much as this man is canvassing for equality, the Truth is that we can't just take away those inherent differences... Take engineering as case study, the engineers in the university are thought to design, analyze, model, Carry out complex calculations, supervise etc, while the poly counterparts who are actually technologists are more taught to be practically oriented.... This different roles entails different classification and such must be respected as that is international standard... Let's not try to bend things in this country...everything is not meant to be negotiable