NUC Slams NBTE’s ‘Top-Up Degree’ Scheme For Poly Graduates

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised strong objections to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) over its introduction of a “top-up degree” program for Nigerian polytechnic graduates holding Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). The NUC, through its acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, expressed that this initiative contradicts the commission’s mandate.  The NBTE had initially established a partnership with foreign universities to offer a one-year conversion course, allowing HND graduates to convert their diplomas into full-fledged degrees.  This move was well-received by HND graduates seeking to bridge the gap between university degree holders and themselves. However, the NUC issued a stern statement, urging the NBTE to reconsider its plan. The NUC emphasized that the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for Employment, and for Related Matters,” which passed in 2021, has not been assented to by the President.  Thus, the dichotomy between university degrees and HNDs remains. The NUC clarified its authority as the sole regulatory agency for university education in Nigeria, underlining the significant differences in the educational processes and requirements between universities and polytechnics. Additionally, the NUC pointed out that candidates with HNDs who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in Nigerian universities must meet specific admission criteria. The NUC advised the NBTE to focus on its core mandate and refrain from introducing programs that fall outside its jurisdiction and lack legal support in Nigeria. The commission emphasized its commitment to regulating and maintaining the quality of university education in the country.

NBTE introduces online top-up programs for HND holders

*Task FG to sign Bill removing HND-BSc Dichotomy in Public Service The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has launched an innovative online top-up program for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, along with a dedicated portal to streamline the mobilization process for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. In an official statement released in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, the Head of the NBTE Media Unit, disclosed these initiatives. Abubakar detailed that one of the portals is specifically designed for HND holders seeking to attain a Bachelor’s Degree through a one-year online top-up program facilitated by accredited foreign universities. This initiative aims to simplify the progression of HND holders toward higher academic degrees. She highlighted the historical challenges faced by HND holders when pursuing further education, including the inability to obtain NUC approval for a two-year Master of Technology program or the necessity to undertake a one-year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before enrolling in a Master’s program. This new pathway aims to address these challenges by providing a streamlined and recognized progression opportunity. The online top-up program can be accessed at https://topup.nbte.gov.ng. Addressing another concern, Abubakar mentioned the difficulties encountered by many polytechnic HND graduates during the mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to admission into non-accredited programs. To address this issue, NBTE has introduced an HND admission portal accessible to all polytechnics. The portal will exclusively display accredited programs, granting NYSC the ability to view admitted candidates eligible for mobilization. This measure is expected to curb the admission of students into unaccredited programs and ensure adherence to quality assurance guidelines. The statement further underscored NBTE’s appeal to the President to sign the bill aimed at removing the HND-BSc Dichotomy in the Public Service, which was passed by the previous National Assembly. This legislation seeks to eradicate unjust and unwarranted discrimination against graduates of the polytechnic system. Abubakar emphasized the importance of providing legal backing to enhance the standing of HND holders, as they hold significant potential for driving Nigeria’s industrialization and contributing essential skills for the nation’s infrastructure development.