The discrimination against graduates of polytechnics is the main reason for the popularity of HND-BSc conversion programmes in the Nigerian universities.
What is HND-BSc Conversion Programme?
Also known as a top-up, this is a programme organized by universities for holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) who wish to close the artificial academic gap created by employers between polytechnic and university graduates. The programme allows them to upgrade their polytechnic degree to a university degree without using the Direct Entry route.
However, the conversion programme isn’t exclusively designed for HND holders. Graduates of universities with a Pass can also enrol for the programme. Technically, it is for both HND and BSc holders (with a poor academic standing).
Nigerian Universities Offering Conversion Programmes and Duration of Study
1) Dominican University Ibadan (DUI): 4 semesters (2 academic sessions)
2) Osun State University: 6 semesters, spanning 24 months (2 academic sessions)
3) Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo: 6 semesters (2 academic sessions)
4) NBTE Top-Up Programme: 2 semesters (1 session, i.e., one year)
5) Igbinedion University Okada: 4 semesters (2 academic sessions)
6) Kwara State University: 2 academic sessions (6 semesters)
7) Al-Hikmah University: 2 academic sessions (6 semesters)
8) University of Calabar:
- 2 semesters (one academic session) for applicants with at least a Third Class or HND qualification.
- 4 semesters (2 academic sessions) for applicants with a Pass degree.
- Check here for everything about UNICAL conversion programme.
9) Lagos State University: 2 academic sessions
10) Delta State University: 2 academic sessions
11) Babcock University: Two years
12) Federal University Oye-Ekiti: 2 academic sessions (6 semesters)
13) Ignatius Ajuru University of Education: 1 academic session (2 semesters)
14) Bells University of Technology: Bells University has temporarily stopped its top-up programme.
15) Anchor University: 6 semesters (2 academic sessions)
16) University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University): 2 academic sessions (six semesters)
Past Government’s Efforts to Close the Gap
Before Nigerian universities began offering programmes tailored to the needs of polytechnic graduates, several attempts were made to bridge the gap between the two qualifications, but these efforts largely failed. Some notable attempts include:
2017 Directive by the Federal Ministry of Interior:
The ministry instructed that polytechnic and university graduates should have the same entry level (level 8), especially in paramilitary services.
2021 National Assembly Bill:
On November 23, 2021, the National Assembly passed “A Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters.”
This bill aimed to criminalize discrimination against HND certificate holders. Unfortunately, President Muhammadu Buhari did not assent to the bill before leaving office in May 2023.
To date, HND holders cannot rise to the same level as BSc holders in the civil service. The matter has since faded from public discussion, prompting HND holders to seek personal development opportunities by upgrading their qualifications through top-up programmes offered by various institutions.
General Requirements
To enrol in an HND-BSc conversion programme, candidates typically need:
- A minimum of five O’ level subjects in no more than two (2) sittings, relevant to their programme of study.
- A National Diploma (ND) certificate.
- Evidence of completion of the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme or an NYSC exemption letter.
Duration of the Programme
The programme typically lasts two academic sessions (2 years) in most universities. However, the number of semesters may vary. For instance, universities like ACU and Osun State University run three semesters per session. At institutions like Igbinedion University Okada, the duration is four semesters across two academic sessions, as outlined above.
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