- During the event, Abbas was also conferred as a Fellow of the College
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has announced that lawmakers are working on a bill to criminalise discrimination between holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from polytechnics and Bachelor’s Degrees (BScs) from universities.
Abbas made this known on Thursday during the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos, where he was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, a House member from Lagos State.
During the event, Abbas was also conferred as a Fellow of the College.
Highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education, Abbas said, “The country needs people with the skills to take it to a higher level. Those who are going to raise the nation’s profile technologically. In view of that, a motion to increase the number of polytechnics was moved yesterday, and by God’s grace, all efforts will be made to realise it.”
He further added, “We are working on the necessary legal framework to criminalise the dichotomy between HND and BSc certificates. There should be equal opportunity for all.”
The Speaker encouraged the graduating students to seize opportunities and contribute to national development.
Also present at the event was Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, who was conferred as a Fellow of the College. Represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50 million Endowment Fund for YABATECH, reaffirming her belief in the transformative power of education.
Mrs. Tinubu noted her long-standing support for education, referencing her establishment of the New Era Foundation in Lagos State.