Tony Okafor, Awka
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Oko Chapter, has called for urgent reforms to address the long-standing discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) holders in Nigeria.
The union made the call during the opening of its 2026 International Hybrid Conference themed “Recalibrating Polytechnic Education for Sustainable Development,” alongside the commissioning of its new secretariat.
ASUP Chairman, Oko Chapter, Dr Fidelis Odua, described the HND-BSc dichotomy as a structural imbalance that limits employment opportunities, career progression and access to postgraduate studies for polytechnic graduates.
He also cited poor funding and low preference for HND holders in the labour market as major challenges facing polytechnic education, urging the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to reposition the sector for equal opportunities.
Rector of the institution, Dr Chioma Awuzie, said a revitalised polytechnic system would boost industrial productivity, reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s technological base.
She urged stakeholders to align curricula with labour market demands and prioritise practical, skill-based training.
Presenting a paper, Deputy Rector, Dr Nkiruka Akabuike, advocated digital transformation in polytechnics through improved ICT infrastructure, industry collaboration and curriculum redesign to meet modern workforce needs.
Other speakers, including Prof Angela Nwammuo and Dr Otuu Ogbonnia, stressed the need for partnerships with the private sector to enhance funding, while former ASUP National President, Dr Chibuzo Asomugha, lamented the absence of key government stakeholders at the conference.
He warned that without policy backing, recommendations from such engagements may not translate into meaningful reforms.
The conference is expected to produce a communiqué to be forwarded to the Federal Government with proposals aimed at repositioning polytechnic education in Nigeria.