EDUCATION

PGDip or Degree—Which One is Best? HND to Degree Top-Up Conversion Program Full Explanation

The HND Conversion Program is designed to help upgrade HND and Certified Professionals to B.Sc. degrees. The program is primarily intended for HND holders who wish to convert or upgrade their HND certificate to a First Degree (B.Sc.).

The top-up conversion program is designed to run for two (2) sessions. The program typically lasts two years, although, in some cases, it can be completed in 1 year and 3 months, depending on the institution you choose.

If you pursue your top-up program at a private university, it may not take the full two years to complete.

Why Is the HND Conversion Top-Up Program Important?

It protects you from discrimination in the labor market. There is a significant amount of discrimination between HND and B.Sc. qualifications, as employers often prioritize B.Sc. degrees over HNDs.
With the HND to B.Sc. program, you can apply for a Master’s degree directly without needing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD).
More Opportunities: Obtaining a degree opens up more opportunities for HND holders, particularly in Nigeria.
Scholarships: Having a degree can increase your chances of obtaining scholarships. Some institutions or firms explicitly state that only degree holders are eligible, highlighting the importance of upgrading your HND.
The top-up program is fast and reliable. Most institutions schedule lectures only on weekends, meaning you can work while pursuing your first degree.

Admission Requirements for the HND to B.Sc. Top-Up Conversion Program

Candidates must meet the following admission requirements:

Applicants must possess a minimum of five (5) O’Level subjects at credit level in relevant subjects, obtained in no more than two (2) sittings. English Language and Mathematics at credit level are compulsory for all candidates.
A minimum of third-class honors, a pass degree, or an HND certificate from a recognized institution is required for the conversion program.
Completion of, or exemption from, the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme may be required.

Objectives of the Program

The objectives of the Top-Up (HND to Degree Conversion) Program are to:

Provide suitable academic programs that facilitate the conversion from HND to B.Sc.
Facilitate university education for holders of professional certifications such as ICAN, ACCA, AIB, etc.

Who Is the Program For?

HND graduates who desire a university first degree.
Holders of professional certifications.

How Much Are the School Fees?

Tuition fees for the HND conversion program range from ₦150,000 to ₦200,000. You should budget at least ₦150,000 per session for school fees.

Duration of the Program

The program typically lasts two (2) years or six (6) semesters (15 weeks per semester). However, depending on the institution’s management, some universities offer the conversion program within a year.

Lecture Period

Lectures for the top-up program are held on weekends, as most students are working professionals.

Is the HND Top-Up to Degree Program a Scam?

The HND-to-B.Sc. top-up conversion program is not a scam. In fact, it is one of the fastest routes to obtaining a degree compared to direct entry. However, ensure that the institution offering your top-up program is a reputable university to avoid being scammed. Always enroll directly through the university, rather than through agents or agencies claiming to be consultants.

What Is the Difference Between Top-Up Conversion and Direct Entry?

1. The main difference is that HND to B.Sc. via direct entry is a full-time program, while the top-up program is a part-time program that offers flexibility.

2. Top-up programs do not require JAMB consent, whereas direct entry does. To convert your HND to B.Sc. via direct entry, you must obtain the JAMB DE form and select your preferred university. You will also need to apply for the university’s direct entry form and may be required to sit for an entrance examination.

3. Top-up programs are more flexible, whereas direct entry programs tend to be more rigorous and time-consuming.

4. The tuition fees for direct entry programs are typically cheaper, whereas the top-up conversion program tends to be more expensive.

5. Both the HND to B.Sc. conversion via direct entry and the top-up program take about two years to complete. However, some universities allow students to convert their HND to a degree in just one year, which is not possible through direct entry.

6. Top-up programs do not require purchasing a JAMB DE form. You can simply apply for the top-up program and begin lectures on weekends. In contrast, DE students must go through JAMB. JAMB is responsible for offering admission to students who wish to further their education at a university. The stress of the direct entry process is why many HND holders opt for the HND-to-B.Sc. top-up program.

What Does JAMB Say About Top-Up Programs?

JAMB states that the top-up program is an unapproved procedure. What the board means is that HND holders should upgrade their certificates via an approved procedure. This involves applying for the JAMB D.E. form, which grants admission to the 300-level at a university, allowing you to upgrade your HND certificate to a degree.

For example, some polytechnics admit students without JAMB consent through their daily part-time programs. JAMB has also declared such programs unapproved, insisting that all admissions should go through the board.

Is There a Difference in the Certificate Between Those Who Upgrade Their HND to B.Sc. via Top-Up and Direct Entry?

No! Both will receive the same degree certificate with the credits they have earned. There is no difference in the certificate except for your grades. However, I would recommend that you complete your top-up program at a reputable university. Not all universities in Nigeria offer the HND-to-B.Sc. conversion program. Whether you choose a top-up or direct entry, the goal is to upgrade your HND to a degree. Choose the option that best suits your needs.

By now, you should have a good understanding of the top-up program. Let’s now move on to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD).

Postgraduate Diploma or Degree—Which One Is Best?

This depends on your academic journey, career goals, financial situation, and academic interests.

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is a professional certificate that is more advanced than a B.Sc. It can be used to pursue further education at the Master’s degree level.

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification, typically the first level of higher education. It usually takes 3–4 years to complete and provides a broad education in a particular field. A Postgraduate Diploma is a more advanced qualification that requires prior completion of an undergraduate degree. It offers specialized knowledge in a specific area and is more focused than a bachelor’s degree.

The best choice depends on several factors, such as where you intend to use the certificate. If your goal is to obtain a degree for employment purposes, then you should pursue a B.Sc. If you are in the engineering field, obtaining a degree is preferable to pursuing a PGD.

However, if your focus is on gaining advanced knowledge and earning a professional certificate, a PGD might be the better option.

It’s also important to remember that in Nigeria, most employers require a degree as a prerequisite for employment. If your workplace discriminates against HND holders, you should consider upgrading to a degree. However, it is advisable to inquire about the value placed on a PGD versus a B.Sc. to determine which option is best, as many companies in Nigeria place more emphasis on a degree.

Is a PGD Higher Than a Degree?

A PGD is more advanced than an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are taught postgraduate qualifications at the same level as Master’s degrees, but they take less time to complete. There are several variations of the abbreviations used by universities for postgraduate diplomas and certificates.

Who Should Pursue a PGD?

If you are considering a career change, you should pursue a PGD instead of a degree. For example, if you have an HND in biochemistry and want to change your career to another field like journalism or media studies, a PGD is your best route. For instance, someone with a background in HND Business Administration might pursue a PGDip in Education to become a teacher. If you already have an HND in Business Administration but wish to become a teacher or lecturer, obtaining a PGD is the best option for you.

NBTE Endorses HND to B.Sc. Top-Up Program

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has endorsed the conversion of HNDs to degrees. NBTE states that its Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor’s Degree Top-Up program is designed to facilitate the career and academic progression of HND holders. The Executive Secretary of the Board, Prof. Idris Bugaje, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna.

He mentioned that with this initiative, HND holders will be able to obtain a B.Sc.

He added, “If they follow the route of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), they will still be looked down upon in the university system. After they finish the PGD, Master’s, and PhD, and return to join a Nigerian university, they will be asked, ‘Where is your first degree?”

With this quoted statement, the board endorses obtaining a degree over a PGD to avoid discrimination.

Can I Apply for PGD Without NYSC?

Yes, but an exemption certificate may be required as part of the admission requirements.

How Many Options Are Available to Convert My HND to a Degree?

Via the Top-Up Conversion Program (1-2 years): This program typically takes between one and two years, depending on the institution.
Via Direct Entry (2 years): You will be admitted into the 300 level at a Nigerian university, and the program generally lasts for two years.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) (2 years): This option takes approximately two years and offers a more advanced qualification.