NAPS Southwest Gives National Assembly 30-Day Ultimatum Over HND/B.Sc Dichotomy Bill

The Southwest zone of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill seeking to end the long-standing dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the association, NAPS Southwest described the delay by the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.

The association expressed frustration over what it called the silence and inaction of the National Assembly regarding the proposed legislation aimed at abolishing the disparity between HND and B.Sc holders, particularly in employment opportunities and career progression within the public sector.

According to the statement, the continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of fairness, equity, and meritocracy expected in Nigeria’s educational and public service systems.

NAPS Southwest stated that for years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment, promotion, and societal recognition despite their contributions to national development through technical and vocational education.

The association noted that the proposed bill represents a major step toward restoring fairness and full recognition for polytechnic education in Nigeria.

“We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies,” the statement read.

The group further described the delay in passing the bill as a matter of urgent national importance, warning that millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system continue to suffer the consequences of the unresolved disparity.

NAPS Southwest called on the Senate and House of Representatives to urgently deliberate on and pass the bill without further delay, stressing that the future of countless students and graduates depends on decisive action by lawmakers.

“The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended,” the association stated.

The student body also issued a 30-day ultimatum to the National Assembly, warning that failure to meet its demands would force Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates to mobilize for peaceful nationwide protests and coordinated actions.

According to the statement, NAPS Southwest is prepared to take all legitimate and democratic steps necessary to ensure justice for polytechnic graduates across the country.

The association also urged relevant stakeholders to initiate reforms that would harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.

NAPS Southwest reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates nationwide until the HND/B.Sc dichotomy is permanently abolished.

The statement was signed by Comrade Ogunsola Adewale John, Coordinator of NAPS Southwest. Recent debates over the HND/B.Sc dichotomy have continued to generate national attention, with several stakeholders and education bodies calling for reforms to end discrimination against polytechnic graduates in Nigeria.