EDUCATION

The Differences Between Polytechnics (HND) and Universities (Bsc) in Nigeria

Many students in Nigeria always love to compare universities and polytechnics, but the fact is, these two education sectors are entirely different.

Some students will be like “university or polytechnic.” Which one is the best? In this article, we will explore the major differences between these two education sectors.

First, let’s take a brief look at what a polytechnic and a university are.

POLYTECHNIC.

A polytechnic is a technical institution offering post-secondary technical education programs leading to the award of diplomas and certificates such as the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).

The products of these institutions will have entry-level employment skills to function as technicians, higher technicians, technologists, or professionals, depending on the level of training, in their fields of specialization.

A polytechnic may also be involved in applied research and perform any other functions that its council may require it to perform from time to time.

UNIVERSITY

A university is a tertiary institution where students study to obtain degrees and where academic research is done. University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs leading to the award of BSC, MSc, PGD, PhD, and other academic awards.

Differences between polytechnics and universities in Nigeria

1. ACADEMIC DURATION.

Polytechnic education takes a duration of 5 years, while university education, on the other hand, takes a duration of 4-5 years, depending on the course of study. If you attend a university, you are expected to graduate after 4 years, while at a polytechnic, you are expected to graduate after 5 years. So the first difference between a university and a polytechnic is the duration of study. Polytechnic is 5 years, while university is 4 years.

2. PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECT.

This writer was able to establish that polytechnics focus on practical and skill acquisition-oriented training, while their university counterparts lay emphasis on research and theoretical aspects. The research also involves lots of study and laboratory work.

Polytechnic students undergo four months of industrial work experience plus another one year of compulsory industrial training apart from their practical work in school. All this is done to prepare them for the labor market. University products, on the other hand, mostly undergo six months of industrial training.

Therefore, when it comes to practical work experience, polytechnics are the best, and when it comes to theory and research, universities are the best. However, graduates from both the university and polytechnic have a role to play in the nation’s building and technological development. When comparing both, it is too safe to say that polytechnic courses are more practical-oriented than university courses.

3. UNIVERSITIES OFFER UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS.

Another difference between these two education sectors is that universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, while polytechnics only offer undergraduate programs, which means that polytechnics can only award ND and HND certificates. Any other certificate excluding these must be in affiliation with a university.

Meanwhile, a university offers various degrees of programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate (from BSC to PhD level and even advanced diploma).

This implies that polytechnic graduates can’t further their education in the same polytechnic as they have to do so at the university. The key difference here is that polytechnics offer only undergraduate practical-oriented programs, while universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.

4. DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES AND COURSES.

There are some courses that can only be studied at the university that are not available at polytechnics, and vice versa. Some of these courses are medicine and surgery, political science, hematology, etc.,

So before you start comparing a polytechnic with a university, know that they have different academic programs. For example, a polytechnic offers pharmaceutical technology, while a university offers a PharmD. Polytechnics produce medical laboratory technicians, while universities produce medical laboratory scientists. You can see the difference now.

5. EXPOSURE.

In terms of exposure, university students are more exposed than those at the polytechnic. This is due to the large number of students, the infrastructure, and the size of the institution. Take, for example, some universities like UNIZIK have seven bank branches in them, aside from other affiliated institutions in the same university.

6. SCHOLARSHIP.

When it comes to scholarships, most organizations and notable bodies favor university students and graduates the most. Polytechnic students hardly get noticed for scholarships.

Differences between HND and BSC Certificates.

1. Employment opportunities.

Although some jobs are reserved for HND holders, others are reserved for those with a bachelor’s degree. Still, some employers prefer BSC holders to HND holders. HND holders are seen as technicians and middle-level manpower.

2. LECTURER.

A BSC holder can be employed as a principal lecturer in a polytechnic, but an HND holder can’t be employed as a lecturer in the university or same polytechnic. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has said that it will soon begin to employ HND holders as assistance lecturers.

3. ACADEMIC PROGRESSION.

Graduates of polytechnics would have to go for their Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before proceeding on to a Masters degree. While BSC holders don’t need PGD for a master’s degree.

4. Civil Service.

HND holders can’t rise above level 14 in the Nigerian civil service, while Bsc (degree) holders can statutorily qualify to rise to grade level (GL) 17 as the peak of their career in the civil service. Also, the entry level into the civil service for BSC degree holders is level 8, while HND (GL) holders are placed on level 7.

Is polytechnic better than university?

Both universities and polytechnics graduates have important roles to play in the nation’s economy and improving technological development. So it is not about which one is better than the other, rather what you can offer as a graduate and your ability to convince employers that you are the best for the job.

I’ve seen a university graduate who couldn’t write a good sentence, and I’ve also seen polytechnic graduates who couldn’t defend their certificate. Both universities and polytechnics are best on their own. Nevertheless, going to polytechnic has some advantages and benefits over university and vice versa.

Does Polytechnic go for NYSC?

Yes, polytechnic graduates will be mobilized for NYSC after their two-year HND programs.

How many years is BSc after HND?

After your HND, if you are to go to the university to get your first degree (Bsc), it’s going to take you just 2 years for your HND and 3 years for your ND. With your HND result, you will be admitted to the 300 level at the university.

Which one is better, HND or BSC?

A BSC certificate is better than an HND, but gaining admission to the university through direct entry isn’t easy, which is why most ND holders prefer to continue with an HND at the polytechnic.

However, if you have the opportunity to convert your HND to BSC through the conversion program being offered by some universities or choose between HND and BSC, it is advisable to go for BSC to avoid any discrimination issues in the future. A BSC certificate is better than an HND certificate in Nigeria.

Is HND and BSC equivalent in Nigeria?

If I’m to be honest with you, HND isn’t equivalent to BSC in Nigeria because HND holders are required to get a PGD before they can do their master’s degree. Also, some organizations pay university graduates higher than polytechnic graduates, even though polytechnic graduates may have more practical skills.

As stated earlier in this article, HND holders are placed on grade level 7, while degree holders are placed on level 8 in the civil service, excluding paramilitary services. If anyone tells you that an HND is equivalent to a university degree, such a person may be deceiving you.

Can a HND holder go for a BSC?

Yes, HND holders can go for Bsc at the university, and that will take two years, but instead of going for Bsc, you can just go for the HND to Bsc conversion program, where you have the opportunity to convert your HND certificate to Bsc. Read my article about how to convert your HND certificate to a BSc here.

In addition, this article is strictly for educational purposes only. The writer doesn’t in any way promote the dichotomy between the HND and BSC certificates. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the differences between polytechnic and university and HND and BSC certificates, and I believe you may have understood the key differences and the one that is best for you.