Call to Action: End HND Discrimination in Nigeria’s Civil Service

Dear Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,

Your recent efforts to bolster practical experience in university education and upgrade polytechnics are commendable. However, a critical issue demands immediate attention: the persistent discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates within the Nigerian civil service.

The inherent value of polytechnic education lies in its dual emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical application. Contrary to the prevailing bias, this comprehensive training should be recognized as an asset, not a liability. The notion that a purely theoretical university education inherently surpasses a combined theoretical and practical HND is fundamentally flawed.

Many individuals, including myself, deliberately choose polytechnic education for its robust, hands-on approach. The misconception that polytechnic students are merely university rejects is both inaccurate and insulting. This discriminatory mindset fosters a counterproductive system, driving students towards universities ill-equipped to handle the overwhelming demand.

The performance of HND graduates across various sectors speaks volumes. Their practical expertise often surpasses that of their university counterparts. Yet, within the civil service, HND holders face unjust barriers to career advancement, even with postgraduate qualifications. This disparity undermines the very essence of meritocracy and professional development.

The insistence on a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) for HND holders, even when not stipulated by institutions, is a clear manifestation of this systemic bias. It is imperative that every qualification and profession is accorded the respect it deserves. A doctor cannot repair a vehicle, nor can a mechanic self-administer medication; each plays a vital role in the societal framework.

The practical skills and experience possessed by HND graduates are invaluable. Their hands-on training provides a depth of expertise that should be celebrated, not marginalized. The current system’s failure to acknowledge this reality is a disservice to both the graduates and the nation.

I implore the Honourable Minister, state governors, and chairpersons of the National and State Assembly Committees on Education to urgently address this injustice. We must dismantle the discriminatory barriers facing HND graduates, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued within the civil service and beyond.

Sincerely,

Adetola Kayode,

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Broadcast Journalist,

HND Mass Communication,

The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

MCS Lagos State University.

Alumna, RNTC, Netherlands & Hubert

Humphrey Fellow, USA.