HND vs Degree Finally Settled? FG Announces New Reform That Could Change Job Opportunities for Polytechnic Graduates

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma and university degree qualifications, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.

Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Alausa, disclosed this during the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, now upgraded to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro. He emphasized that ongoing reforms are designed to reposition polytechnics, including empowering them to award degrees and compete more effectively within the tertiary education system.

Represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Igwe Amy, the minister urged graduating students to apply their knowledge and technical skills toward solving Nigeria’s pressing developmental challenges. He encouraged them to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience as they transition into the next phase of their careers.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to its Renewed Hope Agenda in education, with a strong focus on improving productivity through technical and vocational training. He noted that the government is implementing strategic reforms to modernize the education system and align it with global standards.

A key component of these reforms is the introduction of a revised curriculum set to take effect in the 2025/2026 academic session. The new structure is designed to promote deeper learning by reducing the number of subjects at the basic education level while integrating compulsory vocational skills. Emerging fields such as solar photovoltaic installation and robotics have also been incorporated to equip students with practical, high-demand competencies.

The minister further highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve the HND–degree dichotomy, stressing that policy adjustments and institutional reforms are being pursued to ensure equal recognition and career opportunities for graduates across both academic pathways.

He called on the graduating students to take full advantage of opportunities created under the Renewed Hope Agenda and to contribute meaningfully to national development while upholding the values of their institutions.

Earlier in his remarks, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mikhail Akinde, revealed that a total of 8,713 students graduated during the ceremony. Of this number, 3,067 earned Higher National Diplomas, while 5,646 obtained Ordinary National Diplomas across various disciplines.

Academic excellence was also celebrated, with 201 HND graduates and 281 OND graduates achieving distinction. Fadiran Boluwatife Enitan of the Science and Laboratory Technology department emerged as the overall best HND graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.97. Similarly, Tijani Boluwatife Oluwaseyi from the Animal Health and Production Technology department recorded a CGPA of 3.93 to emerge as the best graduating ND student.

The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of fellowship awards on several distinguished Nigerians, including the Governor of Kano State, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Chief Executive Officer of Haven Homes, Mr. Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga, an alumnus of the institution.

The reforms signal a significant shift in Nigeria’s education policy, particularly for polytechnic graduates, as the government intensifies efforts to bridge qualification gaps, enhance employability, and drive sustainable economic growth.