The executive secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje, has addressed the concerns surrounding the newly initiated HND Top-Up Program through offshore credit transfer admissions.
HND holders aspiring for an academic career have faced challenges, as their progression options have been limited, primarily through Postgraduate Diplomas.
Furthermore, when they wish to transition into university lecturer roles after obtaining their Ph.D., they often encounter inquiries regarding their undergraduate degrees.
To resolve the ongoing HND–BSc disparity, Bugaje urges the Minister of Education to advocate for President Bola Tinubu to endorse the Anti-Dichotomy Bill.
This legislation promises to eliminate the unjust discrimination against HND holders within Nigeria.
The ‘top-up’ or ‘credit transfer admissions’ option offered by foreign universities emerges as an innovative alternative to Postgraduate Diplomas.
Six Nigerian universities have expressed interest in joining the Top-Up program, although the NUC’s approval remains pending.
In a letter to the Honorable Minister of Education, Professor Bugaje clarifies, “Only the FME Division of Evaluation and Accreditation has the authority to assess foreign degrees (not NUC) once the students have graduated and may seek that.
NBTE’s role is limited to providing HND curriculum content for credit mapping and eventual credit transfer admissions. Admissions are exclusively granted by foreign universities, with their Senates awarding degrees independently.
The entire process is designed to function autonomously, with minimal involvement from NBTE.
Furthermore, NBTE derives no financial gain from this endeavor, as we have requested a modest tuition fee, approximately 10% of standard rates, considering that course delivery is primarily online.”
Contrary to the NUC’s stance, online education programs have become globally accepted in the 21st century.
Nigerian educational policy acknowledges this trend, evident through the establishment of an Open University endorsed by the Federal Government, alongside NBTE-approved Open Distance Flexible and e-Learning (ODFeL) Centers.
These centers, currently operated by 36 polytechnics, are rapidly expanding.
It’s worth noting that Nigerian HNDs are highly esteemed on the international stage. Several European countries grant direct admission to HND holders for Master’s programs.
For instance, Miss Islamiyat Ojelade, an HND Distinction graduate in Science Lab Technology (Biochemistry) from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, received PhD admissions and scholarships from seven prestigious US universities last year, without holding a BSc or even an MSc.
It is time to foster respect for HND qualifications within Nigeria and curtail discriminatory practices exhibited by institutions like NUC.
Head, Media Unit, NBTE: Mrs Fatima Abubakar
