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Reps Seeks To End HND, BSc Disparity With New Bill

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5 hours ago

Nov 21, 2024.

The House of Representatives is advancing a bill aimed at eliminating the disparity between holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Bachelor’s Degrees (BSc), according to Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Speaking on Thursday at the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, emphasized the importance of promoting vocational and technical education in Nigeria.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Abbas stressed the need for increased funding to these sectors to foster technological growth and elevate the country’s global standing. He also highlighted that the bill under consideration would criminalize discrimination between HND and BSc holders, ensuring equal opportunities for both groups.

“We recognize the importance of education and the benefits of promoting vocational and technical education. The country needs skilled individuals to drive its technological advancement and enhance its global profile.

“To achieve this, we are increasing funding to the sector,” Abbas explained. “We are also working on the necessary legal framework to end the dichotomy between HND and BSc certificates, ensuring equal opportunities for all.”

The Speaker also urged the graduating students to seize every opportunity to positively impact the world, acknowledging the critical role they will play in the nation’s future development.

During the ceremony, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, who was honored as a Fellow of YABATECH, reiterated her belief in the transformative power of education. She shared her efforts in founding the New Era Foundation, which supports educational initiatives in Lagos.

Represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, Mrs. Tinubu announced a N50 million Endowment Fund for YABATECH, aimed at supporting the best female graduates. She emphasized the importance of removing barriers to girls’ education, noting that the future of the country rests in the hands of its younger generation.

“This Fund is dedicated to supporting the best female graduates. We must support the education of the girl child and eliminate all obstacles in her path. Even when I served in the Senate, my focus was on improving the lives of young people, as they are our future,” she said.

Reps HND BSc Bill

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, delivered a speech on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting initiatives such as the student loan scheme and a needs assessment of tertiary institutions to improve the education sector.

She encouraged graduates to be exemplary ambassadors of their alma mater.

In his welcome address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, reflected on the institution’s 77 years of contribution to Nigeria’s education system and called for support from individuals and corporate bodies to replace and upgrade aging facilities on campus.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, commended the College’s management for the significant progress made during their tenure.