- The Public Complaints Commission called for removing disparities between HND and BSc degrees, emphasizing the need to elevate polytechnic education
- PCC officials stressed upgrading polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions to enhance technical skills and align education with national development goals
The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has called for the removal of the disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in the public sector.
The commission emphasized the need to elevate polytechnic education to align with industrial and national development goals.
Kehinde Adeyemi Oni, PCC Federal Commissioner for Ondo State, made this appeal during a town hall and public hearing organized by the commission in Akure on Thursday.
She highlighted polytechnic education’s vital role in producing skilled manpower for industrial growth.
Oni stressed the importance of upgrading polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions, stating, “If the HND is not recognized, it will hinder the provision of technical skills required to build the nation.”
She advocated greater focus on skill-based education, such as advanced vocational studies, to boost technical expertise.
Similarly, Mr. Ayo Aroge, Director at the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in the Southwest, supported the call.
He proposed upgrading HND programs to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) to ensure holders can rise to top positions, such as director-level roles, in the public service.
The PCC’s initiative underscores the need for policy changes to empower technical education and bridge the gap between HND and BSc qualifications.