EDUCATION

Polytechnic Certificate vs University Degree in the Nigerian Job Market

In Nigeria, where unemployment remains a major concern, the type of certificate a job seeker holds can often shape their journey into the workforce. For many years, there has been an ongoing conversation about the value of a polytechnic certificate versus a university degree. While both qualifications aim to equip students for employment, the job market appears to favour one over the other in various ways. The growing number of polytechnic graduates has triggered a fresh wave of comparison, leading many young Nigerians to wonder where the better opportunity lies.

In major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, recruiters often set preferences before even reviewing applications. This has led to the belief that a university degree carries more weight. But is that truly the case across the board? Or are there areas where a polytechnic certificate holds equal—or even better—potential?

Polytechnics in Nigeria are known for their practical orientation. They produce graduates who are skilled in technical fields such as engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, and more. Universities, on the other hand, are often viewed as academic institutions that focus on theories, concepts, and research. The differences between the two start from their curricula, and these differences eventually shape how graduates from both institutions are viewed in the employment space.

One of the strongest arguments for the university degree is perception. Many employers, particularly in corporate Nigeria, associate BSc or BA holders with better exposure, broader academic training, and stronger theoretical foundations. This has created a bias that sometimes places polytechnic graduates at a disadvantage. Job advertisements frequently specify a university degree as a minimum requirement, leaving out HND holders even when they have equal or more technical skill.

However, technical jobs in construction, manufacturing, and information technology often appreciate polytechnic training. Employers in these industries sometimes prefer polytechnic graduates for their practical know-how and hands-on experience. Some even argue that polytechnic graduates perform better on-site because they were trained to solve problems in real-time scenarios.

But despite their strengths, polytechnic graduates often find themselves hitting a glass ceiling. One major limitation comes from the disparity in opportunities for career progression. While university graduates can pursue postgraduate studies with ease, HND holders are usually required to complete a Postgraduate Diploma before they can enroll for a master’s program. This gap reduces the chances for polytechnic graduates to climb quickly into top-tier managerial or academic roles.

The wage difference between BSc and HND holders in Nigeria is another issue. In the civil service, for example, university graduates are placed on a higher grade level than polytechnic graduates. This happens even when both individuals are recruited at the same time. Such institutional practices have led to years of agitation by polytechnic stakeholders, who insist that skills and performance—not academic titles—should determine status.

That said, there are many HND holders who have built thriving careers, started successful businesses, or gained employment abroad where the bias between BSc and HND does not exist. The private sector in Nigeria is gradually shifting its focus to what a person can do, not just what certificate they hold. Tech startups, for instance, care more about portfolio and problem-solving ability than about university or polytechnic status. This shift is slow but promising.

The rise of entrepreneurship in Nigeria has also given polytechnic graduates more visibility. Many of them venture into businesses, bringing their practical knowledge into real-life application. From running tech-based services to launching engineering consultancies, polytechnic graduates are showing that practical education can be just as powerful.

While the debate between polytechnic and university qualifications continues, what cannot be ignored is the fact that both systems produce talented individuals. It is the responsibility of the job market to become more inclusive and performance-based. Employers who want innovation and efficiency must begin to look beyond paper qualifications.

Ultimately, the best approach is to understand one’s career goals. If the plan is to work in academia, research, or multinational corporations, a university degree might open more doors. But if the goal leans towards technical work, entrepreneurship, or industry-level jobs, a polytechnic background might provide a strong foundation. Nigeria needs both types of professionals, and until there is equality in how they are treated, the job market will continue to waste valuable talent.

Change is happening slowly. Government bodies, private organizations, and advocacy groups are beginning to push for the equal recognition of HND holders. With continuous pressure and the rising success stories of polytechnic graduates, the future might hold a more balanced view.