EDUCATION

What to Do After HND in Nigeria

You’ve completed your Higher National Diploma. After years of lectures, exams, and possibly a long IT program, you’re finally done. But once the excitement fades, a big question starts creeping in—what next?

For many Nigerian polytechnic graduates, life after HND can feel like standing at a crossroads. With debates around HND vs. BSc still alive in the job market, deciding the next step is often confusing. Do you go back to school? Start working? Chase NYSC? Or maybe leave the country? If you’re feeling stuck, this article will walk you through real options that HND holders in Nigeria are using to move forward with confidence—and income.

Proceed for NYSC

One of the first things to do after HND is to check your NYSC status. Not every HND graduate is eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), especially if you attended a part-time program or have passed the age limit (currently 30 years). If you are eligible and your school has cleared you with JAMB regularization, this should be your next step. NYSC is not just about the uniform or PPA; it gives you a chance to gain experience, make connections, and qualify for jobs that require NYSC completion. NYSC also opens the door to applying for government jobs, grants, and international programs that demand an NYSC certificate.

Convert HND to BSc

Because of the gap between HND and university degrees in Nigeria, many polytechnic graduates now go through a conversion program. These are often called “HND to BSc Top-Up Programs.” Some of the universities that offer this pathway include:

University of Ibadan (UIDLC)
Delta State University (DELSU)
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Distance Learning)
Ignatius Ajuru University
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

These programs usually take one to two years and are either full-time, part-time, or online. Completing a BSc after HND can improve your chances in job applications, career promotions, and international scholarship opportunities.

Go for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

Instead of starting all over again with a degree, another option is to enroll in a Postgraduate Diploma program. PGD is a one-year academic course that serves as a bridge between HND and master’s programs. It is especially useful if you plan to:

Do a Master’s degree (many Nigerian universities don’t accept HND directly for Masters)
Switch to a different career field
Gain specialized knowledge to boost your CV

Popular schools that accept HND holders into PGD programs include Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and University of Lagos (UNILAG).

ALSO READ: Best Career Options After NYSC in Nigeria

Get a Professional Certification

If you’re not ready to return to school, there’s a faster way to stay relevant: professional courses. These give you industry-recognized credentials and real-world skills. Some of the most popular include:

ICAN – for accounting and finance
PMP/PRINCE2 – for project management
HSE (Levels 1–3) – for safety and engineering-related jobs
CIPM – for human resource careers
NIM – for general management
CCNA/CompTIA – for tech professionals
TRCN – for those in education

These certifications give you a competitive edge and often qualify you for roles you can’t access with an HND alone.

Learn a High-Income Skill

Instead of relying solely on certificates, you can also learn a practical, high-demand skill that brings direct income. Many HND holders have gone this route and now earn more than their peers in white-collar jobs. Skills to consider include:

Web development
Digital marketing
Graphic design
UI/UX design
Video editing and animation
Tailoring and fashion design
Photography and cinematography
Mobile app development
Forex and crypto trading (with proper training)

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, YouTube, and even Nigerian training hubs offer these courses—some for free or at low cost.

Start a Business

Another path after HND is entrepreneurship. You don’t need millions to start—just an idea, small capital, and consistent effort. Some of the businesses Nigerian HND graduates have started successfully include:

Printing and design services
Laundry and dry cleaning
Baking and catering
Hairdressing or barbing salon
Mini importation or dropshipping
Food delivery
Event planning and decoration

Many graduates have discovered that being your own boss pays more than chasing scarce job offers. If capital is a barrier, look into opportunities like:

Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant (TEEP)
Bank of Industry Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES)
LSETF (for Lagos residents)
BOA-SMEDAN Matching Fund

Apply for Jobs

While it may seem like there’s bias against HND holders, plenty of jobs are still open to you—especially if you package your CV well and showcase your strengths. Don’t ignore opportunities in:

SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
NGOs
Startups
Government agencies that don’t specify BSc-only
Remote or freelance jobs (where certificates matter less than skills)

Also, don’t underestimate lower-paying jobs that offer growth. Sometimes starting small helps you build experience, gain contacts, and rise faster.

ALSO READ: Job Opportunities After BSc in Nigeria

Go Abroad

HND holders can study or work abroad—it just requires a bit of strategy. Some countries accept HND for direct employment, others require conversion before graduate studies. Here’s how:

UK: Many universities accept HND holders into top-up degree programs
Canada: You can use your HND to apply for college diplomas and later work permits
Germany: HND holders can apply for vocational training (Ausbildung)
Australia: Offers postgraduate certificate and diploma programs suitable for HND graduates

Work experience, strong recommendation letters, and English test scores (IELTS) can boost your chances.

Volunteer or Intern

If you’re struggling to land a job, consider internships or volunteer work to build experience. You’ll get exposed to real work environments, gain references, and sometimes even convert that opportunity into a full jobPlaces to check: