The Nigerian Senate has amended the Federal Polytechnic Act to empower federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology-related programmes.
The amendment followed the Senate’s decision on Thursday to rescind its earlier position on the Act, which restricted federal polytechnics to awarding National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
Under the amended provision, federal polytechnics can award B.Tech. Hons. degrees to holders of the ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), during Thursday’s plenary.
Bamidele explained that certain provisions of Sections 2, 8 and 31 of the Act required further legislative scrutiny and amendment to provide administrative clarity and establish a comprehensive legal framework for the effective administration of federal polytechnics.
He consequently urged the Senate to recommit the Act to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration and necessary amendments.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
The amendment introduces a new subsection, Section 2(1)(c), empowering federal polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degrees in science, engineering and technology programmes to eligible holders of the ND, HND or Postgraduate Diploma.
The provision states that federal polytechnics may:
“Award the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons.) degree in Science, Engineering and Technology programmes to holders of the National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) or Postgraduate Diploma, subject to accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant regulatory bodies.”
The new provision makes accreditation by the NUC and other relevant regulatory bodies a condition for awarding the degrees.
The amendment also revises Section 8 of the Act, which governs the appointment and tenure of rectors in federal polytechnics.
Under the revised provision, a polytechnic’s governing council is to appoint a rector for an initial term of five years, with eligibility for a second and final term of four years.
In addition, Section 31 is amended to redefine the term “minister” as an officer responsible for education.
Senate Approves Amendment Without Opposition
Following the motion, the Senate recommitted the Act to the Committee of the Whole for consideration of the proposed amendments.
No senator opposed the proposed changes during the deliberation.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, subsequently put the amended provisions to a voice vote, which received the support of the majority of senators.
B.Sc./HND Dichotomy: A Longstanding Challenge
The disparity between holders of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees from universities and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from polytechnics has remained a contentious issue in Nigeria’s education system, particularly in employment, remuneration and career progression.
Although both qualifications are obtained from recognised tertiary institutions, HND holders have historically faced restrictions in some public and private sector establishments, including differences in recruitment grades, promotion opportunities and eligibility for certain positions.
Despite successive government policies and legislative interventions aimed at addressing the disparity, concerns over the treatment of polytechnic graduates have persisted.
In the federal civil service, a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in March 2018 provided for HND holders to enter the service at Salary Grade Level 08.
However, career progression for officers with HND qualifications has remained subject to applicable schemes of service and public service rules, with additional conditions affecting advancement beyond certain grade levels and movement into the officer cadre.
The issue has also attracted the attention of the National Assembly. In 2023, the House of Representatives raised concerns over alleged disparities in the promotion of HND and degree holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, calling on the relevant authorities to comply with existing directives.
Successive administrations and lawmakers have introduced various policies and legislative proposals to address the perceived discrimination against polytechnic graduates. Nevertheless, continuing concerns over recruitment, promotion and career advancement indicate that the issue remains a subject of public debate.
Will the Amendment End Discrimination Against Polytechnic Graduates?
The Senate’s decision represents a significant legislative development for Nigeria’s polytechnic education system, particularly in expanding the qualifications federal polytechnics may award.
However, the extent to which the amendment will address the longstanding B.Sc./HND dichotomy will depend on its implementation, the accreditation of the proposed degree programmes and their recognition by employers.
It will also depend on whether public service recruitment guidelines, promotion policies and applicable schemes of service are reviewed to ensure that holders of recognised qualifications receive fair treatment.
While the amendment creates a pathway for federal polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees in specified fields, its broader impact on the status of HND holders and the perceived disparity between university and polytechnic graduates will become clearer as the new provisions are implemented.
Source: Premium Times
