The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has called for Nigerian polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees in place of the current Higher National Diploma (HND).
Professor Ufuophu-Biri made this appeal during a recent colloquium organised by the institution, highlighting the disparity between polytechnic and university education.
He noted that an HND holder spends five years in training—two years for the National Diploma (ND), one year for industrial attachment, and another two years for the HND—compared to the four years required to obtain a similar degree at a university.
He argued that the ordinary-level entry requirements for ND, HND, and first-degree programmes are identical, and their curricula are largely similar.
While advocating for polytechnics to retain their names, he suggested that the ND should become the basic qualification for admission into polytechnic degree programmes.
According to him, awarding B.Tech degrees will enhance polytechnic and technological education in Nigeria, encouraging more students to enrol in polytechnics, which are institutions dedicated to technological innovation and development.
The Mass Communication and Journalism professor criticised the long-standing dichotomy between HND and university degrees, describing it as a “silent killer” of polytechnic education.
He emphasised that this divide has broader implications, including the stagnation of technological growth in the country.
He further noted that many polytechnics outside Nigeria award degrees, including doctoral qualifications.
While commending the high standards of Nigerian polytechnics, he acknowledged that the HND nomenclature is often subject to interpretation or verification outside Nigeria, unlike the universally recognised term “degree”.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri asserted that adopting the B.Tech title would strengthen the appeal of technology and innovation education in Nigeria, potentially positioning the country alongside China and India in technological advancement.
He also dismissed concerns about financial implications, stating that the transition from HND to B.Tech would not impose additional costs on polytechnics. Instead, it would enhance student motivation, staff productivity, and overall academic performance.
Speaking earlier at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, during a conference of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), he also advocated for upgrading the terminal rank of polytechnic lecturers from Chief Lecturer to Associate Professor.
He argued that such a reform would boost morale, improve job performance, and maximise productivity among polytechnic lecturers.
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