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Hnd-holder (m)
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This is how the bill came up
Disparity between HND, degree holders
There is no doubt that the disparity between university degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) has no useful purpose to serve. Infact, the recent move by the Senate to sponsor a Bill (i.e. to enact a law) to remove the disparity gives credence to this believe.
During the NTA network programme, “Inside the Senate”, on Thursday, August 10, 2006, Senator Joy Emodi, Chairman, House Committee on Education, said the disparity between university degree and HND was uncalled for, and that actions were proceeding in the Senate to sponsor a bill to give the two certificates the same status.
According to her,“There shouldn’t be any disparity between university degree and HND. I have invited the chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to come, so that we can look at it together and then sponsor a bill on it”.
There is no justification whatsoever for any disparity, as evidences abound that HND holders can compete effectively with university graduates in all spheres of life.
We have had cases in which HND holders competed with university graduates in examinations for employment and at post graduate levels, and HND holders performed better .
Similarly, the population of HND holders who pass professional examinations, such as ICAN, NIMN (alongside university graduates) is equally on the increase.
It should be noted that HND holders studied in polytechnics not as a result of academic incompetence, but owing largely to frustration (resulting from continued delay in securing university admission) and sometimes on financial grounds.
In fact, HND holders are not in any way inferior to universuty degree holders. At the primary and secondary school levels, the same lessons are taught, and the same examinations are set for them.
HND holders have been found to be very efficient by employers of labour, as they are more practical oriented than university graduates. So, the emphasis should be on holders (of Degree or HND) and not the title (or certificate).
In fact, the disparity between degree holders and their HND counterparts has not helped matters in admitting students to universities in the country. It is largely responsible for the stretching of our universities to their limit as students are hell-bent in securing admission into universities, rather, than seeing polytechnics as an alternative.
The Senate, therefore, deserves a pat on the back for making the move to give university degree and HND holders the same status.
One important thing to note is that, a good material (irrespective of the institution he or she is opportuned to attend) is like star that will shine even in darkness; that is, passing through the polytechnic is not a barrier to HND holders to compete effectively with university graduates.
Giving the same status to university degree and HND holders, will not only remove the stigma or correct the injustice meted out to HND holders, but will also reduce the pressure (and the attendant problems) mounted by a swam of admission seekers who are desperate to get a place in our universities.
Musa Olamoju, 37, Fadeyi Street, Oshinle Quarters, Akure.
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