The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has called for a major reform in Nigeria’s polytechnic education system, advocating for the replacement of the Higher National Diploma (HND) with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree.
Speaking at a colloquium organized by the institution, Professor Ufuophu-Biri emphasized that polytechnic students undergo a more rigorous academic journey than their university counterparts. He highlighted that an HND holder spends two years on a National Diploma (ND), one year on industrial attachment, and another two years for HND—totaling five years—while a university student completes a similar course in just four years.
The rector argued that the entry requirements, curriculum, and quality of education in polytechnics are on par with universities, yet polytechnic graduates face discrimination due to the HND nomenclature. He maintained that granting B.Tech degrees would eliminate this disparity, making polytechnics more attractive and fostering technological advancements in Nigeria.
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He pointed out that many polytechnics worldwide, even in developing countries, already award degrees—including doctorate degrees—while Nigerian polytechnics remain stuck with the HND system, which lacks global recognition. He further explained that polytechnic graduates face challenges when seeking higher education abroad, as the HND often requires additional verification, unlike traditional degrees, which are universally accepted.
According to Professor Ufuophu-Biri, upgrading HND programs to B.Tech degrees will not impose additional financial burdens on polytechnics but will instead motivate students, enhance staff productivity, and encourage more enrollments in technology-driven programs. He stressed that such a reform could position Nigeria as a global hub for technological education, similar to China and India.
In a related development, while speaking at a conference of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Professor Ufuophu-Biri also advocated for the promotion of polytechnic lecturers beyond the rank of Chief Lecturer to Associate Professor. He emphasized that this elevation would boost lecturers’ morale, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately lead to higher academic productivity.
