HND top-up: NBTE aims for academic progression in polytechnics

The conversion of HND to a degree programme can indeed be beneficial to lecturers in polytechnics. This programme allows HND holders who aspire to pursue an academic career to upgrade their qualifications and obtain a bachelor’s degree. By acquiring a higher academic degree, lecturers can enhance their teaching capabilities, broaden their knowledge base, and potentially […]

The conversion of HND to a degree programme can indeed be beneficial to lecturers in polytechnics. This programme allows HND holders who aspire to pursue an academic career to upgrade their qualifications and obtain a bachelor’s degree. By acquiring a higher academic degree, lecturers can enhance their teaching capabilities, broaden their knowledge base, and potentially qualify for higher positions and salary scales within the polytechnic system.

The conversion of HND to a degree programme has the potential to address the existing dichotomy between technologists and lecturers in polytechnics. This shift can help bridge the gap between the two categories by providing an avenue for HND holders to upgrade their qualifications and attain bachelor’s degrees.

By enabling HND holders to obtain a degree, this conversion programme allows for more parity in terms of academic qualifications between technologists and lecturers. It can potentially enhance the professional standing and recognition of technologists, as they would have a degree equivalent to that of lecturers.

Also, the conversion of HND to degree could lead to career progression opportunities for technologists, allowing them to explore teaching positions or other higher-level roles within the polytechnics. This would contribute to a more cohesive and integrated workforce within the educational institutions.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) plays a crucial role in enhancing the standards of polytechnics, including the conversion of HND to degree. The efforts of the NBTE are aimed at providing a robust and improved avenue for HND holders to upgrade their qualifications in many ways.

By working towards improving the standard of polytechnics, the NBTE is ensuring that the education and training provided align with industry requirements and global standards. This, in turn, enhances the overall quality of education and the competency of graduates.

With the new initiative coming from the NBTE on HND conversion, Nigerians and staff of polytechnics should accept the concept in good faith as the executive secretary of NBTE is also working tirelessly to close the HND/degree dichotomy to see the light of the day.

Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo is a lecturer with Kaduna Polytechnic