The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, announced on Thursday, November 21, 2024, that the House is working on a bill to criminalize the discrimination between holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) from polytechnics and Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) holders from universities.
This move seeks to eliminate the disparity that has existed for years between graduates of polytechnics and universities in Nigeria.
Abass made this statement during the 36th convocation ceremony of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, where he was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda. He emphasized that promoting vocational and technical education is crucial for national development and increasing the workforce’s skill levels. He further stated that the country must ensure equal opportunities for all education graduates, regardless of whether they hold an HND or a BSc.
Additionally, Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who was also honored at the event, announced a N50 million Endowment Fund for YABATECH, aimed at supporting the education of female students, particularly the best graduates. She stressed the importance of investing in education and removing all barriers hindering the progress of the girl child.
