House of Reps ends BSc-HND dichotomy as bill passes third reading

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed into law a bill to end the dichotomy between university degree, Bachelor of Arts/Science (BA/BSc) and Higher National Diploma (HND), awarded by polytechnics.

The Senate had in June this year passed the same bill to abolish the discriminatory practice.

Titled, “A Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters”, the bill was read for the third time which was the final stage of the law-making process at Tuesday plenary.

The next stage would be concurrence with the Senate before it will be transmitted to the President for assent.

The bill stipulates punitive measures against any form of discrimination against holders of HND, as the two certificates are now at par with each other.

The deputy majority leader, Peter Akpatason, moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Aishatu Dukku.

The Bill was later voted on and approved for the third reading.

Detailing the equality of a degree and HND, the bill stipulates that, “Notwithstanding any provision in any legislation, circular, regulation or policy guideline, First Degree and Higher National Diploma shall be deemed construed and treated as equivalent qualification for the purpose of employment and career progression at workplace in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In a related development, the House of Reps also passed for second reading, a bill seeking the amendment of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board Act.

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Titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Business and Technical Examinations Board Act, Cap. N12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Improve the Scope of the Board, to Undertake Contemporary Business and Technical Examinations in Line with the National Policy on Education, Provide the General Purpose of the Results, Certificate and Awards Issued by the Board; and for Related Matters”, the bill is sponsored by Professor Julius Ihonvbere from Edo State.

At the plenary, Prof Ihonvbere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Aishatu Dukku.

Leading the debate on the general principle of the Bill, Ihonvbere stated that it seeks to amend the Act establishing the board to end the rejection of qualified students by employers.

He added that the Bill also seeks to ensure the development of technical and vocational education schemes in Nigeria.

Contributing to the debate, Abubakar Yunusa lauded the spirit of the Bill as it seeks to correct the victimisation of vocational students.

He urged the House to speedily pass the bill to make their certificates duly recognized, adding that it will cease the burden of unemployment, as well as enhance entrepreneurship.

Similarly, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas also hailed the bill, calling for the more national will to apply the skills of technical and vocational training in society.

The lawmaker also urged the expedient passage of the Bill to save the future of teeming Nigerian youth.

The Bill was eventually voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services for further legislative action.