NUC Debunk Initiative To Convert HNDs To University Degree
The National Universities Commission (NUC), the primary regulatory body for Nigerian universities, has issued a definitive statement in response to the recent move initiated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The crux of the debate is the proposed conversion of the Higher National Diploma (HND) into a university degree.
The Official Stance Of NUC
The Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC Chris Maiyaki, voiced his concerns on a Saturday, labelling the purported one-year top-up degree programme in Nigerian polytechnics as misleading. He stressed, “The existing dichotomy between the first degree and HND remains intact, given that both universities and polytechnics have distinct programmes. This difference presents a substantial obstacle to any proposed conversion plan.“
The acting executive secretary of commission went on to urge the general public, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to understand that the NUC does not endorse or recognise this so-called Top-up Scheme envisioned by the NBTE.
The NUC’s statement emerged in response to circulating online news that highlighted the NBTE’s formal introduction of a one-year top-up degree programme in Nigerian polytechnics. The intention behind this was to enable HND holders to upgrade their qualifications to a first-degree status in collaboration with foreign accredited universities.
Implications for Beneficiaries of the Proposed Scheme
Given the set down educational structures, those who opt for the NBTE’s Top-Up Programme will still have to navigate the prevailing admission criteria set by Nigerian universities if they wish to continue their academic pursuits within the Nigerian University System.
