Direct Entry (DE) Degree or HND: Which One is Better After ND in Polytechnic?

After completing your National Diploma (ND) in a polytechnic, you’re at a crossroads—should you go for a Higher National Diploma (HND) or take the Direct Entry (DE) route to a university degree? Many students struggle with this choice, and making the wrong move could affect job opportunities, career growth, and even salary prospects.

Is an HND still a strong option in today’s job market? Or is Direct Entry the smarter path to a university degree and better opportunities? Let’s break it down so you can make the right decision for your future.

Factors to Consider

1. Academic Qualifications

One of the factors that determine whether to go for Direct Entry into a university or proceed with HND in a polytechnic is your academic qualification. For students with Upper Credit and Distinction, Direct Entry is the best career path, as many universities accept these grades for admission with scholarships. However, for students with a Pass grade or Lower Credit, proceeding with HND will be better because most universities favor merit qualifications.

Why Direct Entry is better for ND students with higher grades:

HND vs. BSc Dichotomy: 

Polytechnic graduates often face discrimination in the labor market and education sector. Thus, pursuing a degree through the Direct Entry path is the best option to avoid this problem.

Top-up/PGD Program: 

HND graduates still have to enroll in a one- or two-year program to convert their HND qualification to a degree or postgraduate diploma. With a university degree, you won’t need a top-up conversion or PGD. You can proceed with a master’s degree directly. Since top-up conversion and PGD cost a lot of money, pursuing a university degree through Direct Entry is more beneficial.

Scholarships: 

Most scholarship programs favor university graduates more than polytechnic graduates. Therefore, if you graduated with Upper Credit or Distinction, I recommend you further your education in a university rather than pursuing an HND. This is the best decision you can make as a polytechnic graduate.

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2. Faster Route

If you are looking for the fastest and most economical career path, HND is the best option. This program takes just two years. In fact, some polytechnics run a semester for three months, meaning that before two years, you would have become a graduate. HND is faster because you don’t need to apply for JAMB again or sit for an entrance exam, although some polytechnics conduct entrance tests for applicants, but it’s not as strict as Direct Entry.

Even with higher grades like Upper Credit and Distinction, gaining admission through Direct Entry can be challenging, whereas polytechnic admission is guaranteed.

Direct Entry courses take about three years, while some take four years to complete, making HND the faster route to becoming a graduate. As an HND holder, you can enroll in advanced skills or top-up certifications while working. You can earn and enroll in part-time programs like a top-up conversion for career advancement. In this case, HND is a better option for ND students looking for academic progression.

In a nutshell, if your focus is on a faster route to graduation, then pursuing an HND in a polytechnic would be a better option.

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3. Finance

Another factor to consider when choosing between Direct Entry and HND is your financial situation. Direct Entry admission costs more than HND admission. For Direct Entry, you would have to register for DE on the JAMB portal, purchase the university’s DE application form, and pay school fees, acceptance fees, and other expenses.

However, for HND, most polytechnics absorb their students back for HND without stress. In contrast, university admission is not guaranteed. JAMB is not involved in HND admission processing, and school fees for full-time HND programs are cheaper than university programs. Some polytechnics in Nigeria charge ₦80,000 to ₦100,000 for the first year and below ₦70,000 for the second year, whereas many universities charge higher fees depending on the institution and region.

In a nutshell, if you are trying to manage your money or come from a low-income family, HND is a better option, especially the “full-time” program, because many polytechnics offer Direct Entry admission without an entrance examination as long as you meet the basic requirements—your ND result and Industrial Training (IT) completion letter.

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Do I Need an IT Completion Letter for Direct Entry?

No! You don’t need an IT letter for Direct Entry admission. The major requirements are your O’Level result, ND result, NIN, and JAMB registration number, among others. An IT letter is not a prerequisite for Direct Entry.

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Do I Have to Wait a Year Before Applying for Direct Entry After Completing ND?

No! Unlike HND, there is no waiting period before applying for Direct Entry to a university. Once your final result is out, you can apply for Direct Entry without delay.

For example, if you graduated in September and your final result is out by October, and JAMB commences the sale of DE forms by December, you can apply for Direct Entry that same December. Your result, JAMB, and the university you are applying to determine your waiting time.

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Admission Requirements for HND

The major requirements for gaining admission into a Higher National Diploma program are:

• O’Level result
• ND result
• IT completion letter
• Passport photographs
• Academic transcript

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Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Entry by ND Polytechnic Students

1. What is Direct Entry (DE)?

Direct Entry is a mode of admission that allows ND, NCE, or HND holders to gain admission into the 200 or 300 level in Nigerian universities without writing JAMB UTME.

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2. Who is Eligible for Direct Entry Admission?

ND holders with at least Lower Credit from an accredited polytechnic are eligible to apply for Direct Entry into universities.

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3. Is JAMB Registration Required for Direct Entry?

Yes, ND holders must register for JAMB Direct Entry and submit their credentials before they can be considered for admission.

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4. Can ND Pass Holders Apply for Direct Entry?

Some universities accept ND Pass for Direct Entry, but most schools require at least Lower Credit. Applicants should check the admission requirements of their preferred universities.

5. How Many Years Will I Spend in University Through Direct Entry?

Direct Entry students are usually admitted into 200 level, meaning they will spend three years for a four-year course or two years for a three-year course.

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6. Do I Need to Write a JAMB Exam for Direct Entry?

Direct Entry applicants do not write the JAMB UTME exam but may be required to sit for a screening test or entrance exam by the university.

7. Can I Use My ND Statement of Result for Direct Entry?

Yes, most universities accept ND Statements of Result, but applicants must present their original ND Certificate before final clearance.

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8. How Many Universities Can I Choose During Direct Entry Registration?

You can select two universities during Direct Entry registration, but admission is more competitive for Direct Entry applicants.

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9. Will I Go for NYSC After Direct Entry?

Yes, Direct Entry students will go for NYSC after completing their university education, provided they meet the NYSC requirements.

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HND or Direct Entry: Which One is Better for ND Students?

Both qualifications are recognized worldwide, and which one is better depends on individual preferences, academic qualifications, finances, and career goals.

For ND students with Upper Credit and Distinction, Direct Entry is the best option. However, for ND students who want a faster route to graduation for career advancement, HND is the better choice.

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