Is HND Equivalent to BSc? The Truth They Won’t Tell You

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times — “HND is not the same as BSc.” Or maybe you’ve seen people argue about it on campus, in WhatsApp groups, or even on social media where students turn it into full-blown debates. The battle between HND and BSc holders has become part of Nigerian academic culture, like JAMB stress or ASUU strikes. But the question remains: is an HND truly equivalent to a BSc, or is it just another “educational second-class citizen” as some people call it?

Before you jump to conclusions or settle for what people have been saying, you need to read this. Because, what you are about to discover might just change the way you view both certificates forever.

What is an HND?

HND stands for Higher National Diploma. It is awarded by polytechnics and some technical institutions after completing a two-year National Diploma (ND) program, followed by another two-year HND program. This means an HND holder must have spent at least four years in school, excluding industrial training (IT), which adds another year. In total, HND holders often spend about five years if you include IT.

The HND was originally designed to produce graduates with more technical and practical skills. The polytechnic system was created to fill the gap in technical manpower that the university system was not fully handling. For decades, HND graduates have been regarded as specialists with hands-on skills, especially in fields like engineering, technology, applied sciences, business, and art-related disciplines.

What is a BSc?

On the other hand, BSc, which means Bachelor of Science, is awarded by universities. The average BSc program takes about four to five years depending on the course and the institution. Some courses like Engineering, Law, and Medicine can take longer.

Unlike the HND, which focuses heavily on practical and technical training, the BSc is often described as having more theoretical and research-based content. University students spend more time on research projects, seminars, and sometimes general courses outside their main area of study. The university system aims to produce graduates who are not only trained in their field but also prepared for academic and research-related opportunities like master’s and doctorate degrees.

Where Did the Comparison Start From?

The comparison between HND and BSc is not new. It started years ago when employers, especially in Nigeria, began treating the two certificates differently. In most job vacancies, you would see something like “BSc required” and “HND may be considered,” with a lower salary scale for HND holders. Over time, this created a hierarchy where HND holders were automatically seen as lesser than their BSc counterparts, regardless of their skills or experience.

To make matters worse, some organizations openly exclude HND holders from certain positions, promotions, and training opportunities, even if they have performed better than BSc holders. This unequal treatment has led many students to shy away from polytechnics, even when university admission proves difficult.

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Is There Really a Difference?

This is where the conversation gets interesting. On paper, both HND and BSc are classified as undergraduate qualifications. They both require roughly the same number of years to complete. They both produce graduates who are expected to function professionally in their fields.

The main difference comes down to the focus of the education. While polytechnics are skill and industry-driven, universities are more theory and research-driven. It is not that one is higher than the other in terms of knowledge; they simply approach education from different angles. Many HND graduates have proven themselves in top companies and industries, performing excellently, even ahead of their BSc colleagues.

In fact, some HND graduates end up leading teams made up of BSc holders. So, the claim that BSc is naturally superior does not always hold water in the real world.

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Why Employers Prefer BSc Over HND (But Not Always)

Several factors contribute to the bias:

1. Historical Bias: The university system is older and traditionally seen as the gold standard. Many employers grew up in a system where universities were the first choice, and polytechnics were for those who couldn’t secure university admission.
2. Professional Bodies and Regulatory Issues: Some professional bodies and government agencies have structured their membership and promotion rules in favor of university graduates.
3. Policy Problems: For years, there was no clear policy that placed HND and BSc on equal footing in Nigeria’s civil service. Although the Federal Government has attempted to address this issue in recent times, many institutions have yet to implement these changes fully.
4. Perception: Some employers believe BSc holders are better prepared academically and are more suited for leadership roles, even without verifying the individual’s capability.

However, this is not always the case. In private sector industries like construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, employers sometimes favor polytechnic graduates due to their practical skills and ability to “hit the ground running” without much training.

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Recent Developments: Is The Gap Closing?

In recent years, there has been progress. The Federal Government of Nigeria announced that HND holders should not be discriminated against in employment and promotion, especially within the civil service. Several agencies have started implementing this, although the process is slow.

Some universities now offer “HND to BSc conversion” or “Top-Up” programs, allowing HND holders to obtain a bachelor’s degree by spending an extra one or two years. This shows that even the academic system is acknowledging that the gap is not as wide as people think.

Employers, especially international organizations and companies with modern HR policies, are also beginning to place more focus on skills, competence, and experience rather than just certificates. In fact, with the rise of digital skills, tech certifications, and professional courses, many companies now hire based on what you can do, not just what is written on your certificate.

What You Should Know Before Choosing Between HND and BSc

If you are a student stuck between pursuing a polytechnic or university education, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Your Course Matters: Some courses do better in a polytechnic environment because of the technical and practical nature of the field. Examples include engineering, environmental sciences, and some art courses.
• Your Career Goals: If you are aiming for jobs in the civil service or organizations where BSc is still highly preferred, you may want to factor that into your choice.
• Your Long-Term Plan: If you plan to further your education to master’s or PhD level, consider that some universities may require you to first convert your HND to BSc or do a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD).
• Your Skills: In today’s job market, certificates alone won’t get you far. What can you actually do? What practical, technical, or creative skills do you have?

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So, Is HND Equivalent to BSc?

The short answer? No!

HND is not equivalent to a BSc because most universities require a BSc degree or, at least, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) from HND graduates before they can qualify for a master’s program. In addition, many scholarship opportunities are strictly reserved for BSc holders, automatically sidelining HND graduates.

It doesn’t stop there — some employers still discriminate against HND holders, especially when it comes to salary structure. In several organizations, BSc holders earn more than their HND counterparts, regardless of years of experience or skill level.

Although a bill seeking to make HND equivalent to BSc has been read at the House of Representatives, it is yet to be passed into law. This means the reports claiming that HND is now equal to BSc remain a myth — it is not the reality on ground.

My sincere advice to HND holders is to consider upgrading their certificates through available HND to BSc conversion programs.

The truth is, whether we like it or not, society, employers, and even some government structures still treat HND holders differently.

But here is the truth no one tells you — your certificate alone will never define your career. Whether you have an HND or BSc, your competence, your skills, and your ability to add value will always speak louder.

Some of the most respected engineers, business moguls, and creatives started as polytechnic graduates. Others came through the university system. Both paths can lead to success if you know how to make the most of them.

So next time someone tells you that an HND is not equal to a BSc, ask them: equal in what exactly? Because when it comes to performance, impact, and success, certificates can only take you so far — the rest is up to you.

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