The Minister of Education, Moruf Alausa, has reiterated the Federal Government’s plan in addressing HND/BSc Dichotomy through sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.
Speaking at the 23rd convocation ceremony of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro recently upgraded to a university, the minister urged graduates to leverage their skills to tackle national challenges and drive development.
Represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Igwe Amy, Alausa said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on strengthening technical and vocational education as a catalyst for economic growth.
He explained that ongoing reforms include empowering polytechnics to award degrees, a move aimed at eliminating the perceived disparity between HND and bachelor’s degree holders.
According to the minister, a revised national curriculum set to take effect in the 2025/2026 academic session—will reduce subject loads in basic education, introduce compulsory vocational training, and incorporate modern skills such as robotics and solar photovoltaic installation.
“Be bold, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Harness your skills to drive positive change and represent Nigeria with pride,” Alausa charged the graduating students.
In his remarks, the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mikhail Akinde, disclosed that a total of 8,713 students graduated during the ceremony. Of these, 3,067 earned HND certificates, while 5,646 obtained Ordinary National Diplomas (OND).
He added that 201 HND graduates and 281 OND graduates finished with distinctions.
Among the top performers, Fadiran Boluwatife Enitan emerged as the overall best HND graduate with a CGPA of 3.97 in Science Laboratory Technology, while Tijani Boluwatife Oluwaseyi recorded a CGPA of 3.93 to lead the OND category.
The convocation also featured the conferment of fellowship awards on notable personalities, including Dikko Umaru Radda, Dapo Abiodun, Rasheed Ladoja, Adedotun Gbadebo, and Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga.
The Federal Government maintains that these reforms are part of broader efforts to enhance productivity, promote innovation, and reposition Nigeria’s education system for global competitiveness.
Recall that the long standing HND/BSc Dichotomy has triggerred debates among many sectors and policy makers wbich have not been recieved the good light it deserves.