The Federal Government has announced plans to finally scrap the long-standing Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s degree dichotomy, a policy shift that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.

The move, disclosed by officials in the education sector, would empower accredited polytechnics to award bachelor’s degrees, placing them on equal footing with universities and addressing years of discrimination faced by HND holders in employment, career progression, and public service.

According to the government, the reform is aimed at aligning Nigeria’s technical education system with global best practices, where polytechnics and universities operate as complementary institutions rather than unequal alternatives.

For decades, HND graduates in Nigeria have faced systemic barriers, particularly in the civil service, where career advancement often stalls despite years of experience and additional certifications. Many employers, both public and private, have also prioritised university degrees over HND qualifications, even in technical roles where polytechnic training is considered more practical.

Education officials say scrapping the dichotomy will correct this imbalance and recognise the skills-based training polytechnics provide.

Under the proposed framework, qualified polytechnics would transition into degree-awarding institutions, while still retaining their strong focus on technical and vocational education. The government believes this will boost innovation, industrial development, and youth employability.

Authorities also noted that Nigeria’s over-reliance on universities has placed enormous pressure on the system, leaving millions of qualified candidates without admission yearly. Strengthening polytechnics, they argue, offers a sustainable solution.

If fully implemented, the policy would allow polytechnic graduates to earn degrees without needing to convert their HNDs through additional university programmes. It would also ensure parity in recruitment, promotions, and professional recognition across sectors.

The Federal Government stated that the reform would involve amendments to existing education laws, curriculum upgrades, capacity building for lecturers, and stricter accreditation standards to ensure quality.

Officials stressed that the change would not water down academic standards but rather modernise technical education to meet current economic demands.

As expected, the announcement sparked widespread reactions on social media.

Many Nigerians welcomed the move, calling it “long overdue” and praising the government for addressing what they described as an unfair system that has wasted talent for decades.

Polytechnic graduates shared personal stories of stalled careers and missed opportunities due to the HND label, expressing hope that the reform would finally level the playing field.

However, some critics raised concerns about implementation, questioning whether polytechnics currently have the infrastructure, funding, and staffing required to run full degree programmes effectively. Others warned that poor execution could create confusion rather than reform.

Despite the mixed reactions, education advocates largely agree that scrapping the HND dichotomy could be one of the most impactful education reforms in recent years if properly executed.

The Federal Government has indicated that stakeholder consultations are ongoing and that further details, including timelines and pilot institutions, will be announced in due course.