On dichotomy of HND, B.sc

By: AbdulBasit Dòsùmú

THE dual high-ranked institutional certificates which should be on par are the higher national diploma (HND) and bachelor’s degree (BSC, BTech or BA). Using the minimum of 4 years to achieve either of the certificates is proof that both deserve a higher stage and value. A typical monotechnic or polytechnic are mostly technical and highly practical in their dealings, which of course the nation needs. The theoretical indepth learning of a bachelor’s degree holder could of no doubt be undermined. Alas! It has become a thing of worry particularly to me, a student of Polytechnic as I felt concerned sometimes due to how the government, leaders. CEOs, organisations, stakeholders et al treat HND certificate holders. The questions that linger in me are thus: “why the existence of HND in the first place?” “Are HND holders meant to be treated as inferior?” A Yorùbá adage would say: “kínni obo fi șe orí tí inàkí ò șe?” (Meaning: what makes the monkey more esteemed than the chimpanzee?). The dichotomy of HND and BSc should strictly be looked into by the government, signing it as an act. All hands must be on deck at all arms of government without seclusion to the fourth realm of the estate to ensure both are on par.

The syllabus should be reviewed for updates and to ensure inclusivity of all. Company owners should not make qualified HND graduates feel inferior in their relationships with them.

Merging the technicality and practicability of an HND holder with the theoretical cum research insights of a bachelor’s degree holder would surely move our country to higher apogee of development. Let’s look at the developed countries, this is about what you can offer, not the certificates you hold. HND holders shouldn’t be stressed to go for a post degree before proceeding for their Master’s degree. Let us localise our education, just as we localise politics.

•AbdulBasit Dòsùmú is a student of the department of Mass Communication. Adecom College of Business and Management, Egbeda, Ibàdàn.