The Higher National Diploma holders can now convert their certification to a Bachelor’s Degree through an online top-up curriculum that was recently introduced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in Nigeria.
The programme will last for one year and will be offered in collaboration with internationally authorized universities.
This information was provided by the board in a statement that was sent to press outlets in Abuja on Monday by Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, who is the Head of Media Unit for the board.
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The details
According to Abubakar, this is also to make it easier for people who already hold an HND to advance to higher degrees.
“Attempts in the past to get the National Universities Commission to approve a two-year Master of Technology for HND holders in some polytechnics did not see the light of the day. Many times, HND Holders are forced to go for a one-year Postgraduate Diploma before they could be admitted into the Master’s Program in Universities.”
“The disadvantage of the PGD is that holders who continue to do PhD and wish to migrate to a Nigerian University will always be queried to produce their first degree, even when they have doctorates. To end this unwarranted prejudice, NBTE has now created this progression pathway for HND holders. This can be accessed at https://topup.nbte.gov.ng,” she remarked.
According to her, a lot of people get accepted into programmes that aren’t certified, and then after they have their HNDs, they don’t get mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps.
“NBTE has now created an HND admission portal for use by all polytechnics. Only accredited programmes shall be visible on the portal and NYSC shall have viewing rights to know admitted candidates to be mobilised. This will hopefully bring an end to illegal HND admissions of unaccredited programmes and at the same time ensure carrying capacities are adhered to for quality assurance.”
“Finally, the board wishes to appeal to Mr President to please sign the bill removing the HND-BSc Dichotomy in the public service as passed by the last National Assembly. This is to end the unjust and undeserved discrimination against graduates of the polytechnic system,” she said.
She went on to say that because there was no legal support, the board was forced to look for measures to improve the status of people who held an HND degree.
According to Abubakar, this is something that needs to be done because those who have obtained their HND in reality hold the key to Nigeria’s industrialization and critical skills for the implementation of much-required infrastructure in the country.
Previous engagement of NBTE
Huawei Technologies Company (Nigeria) Limited hosted an ICT Academy Teachers Summit in Abuja and signed a memorandum of understanding with both NBTE and the University of Port Harcourt.
The summit was intended to develop cooperation between the corporation and higher education institutions in Nigeria. This was the primary objective of the event.
During his remarks at the occasion, Stephen Zou, the deputy managing director of Huawei Technologies, stressed the company’s commitment to helping Nigeria’s talent development ecosystem. Specifically, he used the Nigerian university system as an example.
He remarked: “We gather to connect with our valued academic partners, brought together by the Huawei ICT Talent Ecosystem. This collaborative framework aims to foster strong ties in ICT talent cultivation and development, which is crucial for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation. We commend all those present for the progress achieved so far.”
“We recognise the solid foundation laid by esteemed institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, and many more. Your dedicated nurturing of ICT talents underscores your pivotal role in propelling talent development within the nation. Since 1999, Huawei has thrived in the enabling Nigerian environment, emerging as a premier ICT solution provider.”
“Our ICT talent cultivation initiatives exemplify this approach, including the Seeds for the Future programme, Huawei ICT Academy, Huawei ICT Competition, and The Job Fair. We firmly believe that Digital Transformation hinges on talent, not just technology,” he added.
Prof. Idris Bugaje, the executive secretary of NBTE, expressed gratitude to Huawei for the engagement with the organisation and added that the MoU has further strengthened the ties between the two parties. According to him, the memorandum of understanding will make it easier for students to receive training in any of the nation’s 21 polytechnics.
Professor Owunari Georgewill, Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), referred to the relationship as “fantastic,” stating that the world is now completely digitalized. He went on to say that the University will keep making its share of contributions to the digital age and that with the help of the memorandum of understanding and Huawei’s backing, the students at the school would also train the trainers.
