The recent decision by the Federal Government to impose a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics, and other institutions of learning is a commendable policy. It reflects a deliberate focus on consolidating and strengthening existing institutions rather than diluting resources through unchecked expansion.
However, alongside this moratorium, there is an equally urgent educational matter that demands federal attention and radical reform — the long-standing dichotomy between the Higher National Diploma (HND) and the Bachelor of Science (BSc) certificates.
This disparity has, for decades, placed polytechnic graduates at a systemic disadvantage in employment, career progression, and remuneration, despite their proven competence and contributions to the economy. Ironically, some of Nigeria’s polytechnics — such as Yaba College of Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Auchi Polytechnic, and several others — produce graduates whose skills, technical expertise, and industry readiness often surpass those of certain universities.
In many sectors of the labour market, these polytechnic graduates perform excellently, competing favourably and even outperforming their university-trained counterparts. Yet, outdated policies and recruitment practices continue to treat their qualifications as inferior, thereby discouraging technical education and wasting valuable human capital.
If Nigeria is to truly advance in innovation, industry, and technology-driven development, the government must eliminate the HND–BSc divide by ensuring parity in recognition, opportunities, and remuneration. This will not only boost morale among polytechnic graduates but will also attract more young Nigerians to technical and vocational education — a sector that is vital for national industrial growth.
The moratorium on new institutions is a step towards quality over quantity. Now is the time to complement this with reforms that value competence over paper titles and level the playing field for all graduates, regardless of whether their skills were honed in a university lecture hall or a polytechnic workshop.
– Adabara A. Abdulhadi writes from Okene.
