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HND/Bsc Dichotomy: Rector Urges NUC To Grant Approvals For Polytechnics To Run Bsc, Ph.D Programmes
Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, has urged the National Universities Commission, NUC, to grant approvals to institutions with the carrying capacity and requisite academic qualifications to offer Degree, Master and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) programmes.
Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed stated this at the 44th Media Parliament of the Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, with the theme: “Bridging the Dichotomy Between Higher National Diploma and Degree Certificates”.
The Rector also called on the commission to allow institutions with such capacity to run their programmes as full-fledged institutions without necessarily affiliating to any universities.
Dr Abdul Jimoh regretted that priority is being placed on paper qualifications rather than productivity of certificate holders.
He explained that dichotomy has placed priority on paper qualifications rather than productivity, stressing that experience has shown that a student from polytechnic is more productive than that of university.
The Rector, however, noted that throughout the world, the highest qualification in academic circle is doctorate degree, saying that despite plethora of Ph.D holders in Polytechnics, there are limitations to the extent with which their academic works can fly.
According to the Rector, the rigorous research work and superintending roles of NUC are parts of the setback aiding the dichotomy.
In a remark, the Kwara State Chairman of NUJ, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, said the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma and Degree holders is a matter of concern among Nigerians, noting that the situation, which is yearning for solution, has continued to draw the attention of policy makers and lawmakers.
Abdullateef Ahmed called for deliberate policy on the part of government to address the impasse for societal benefit.
He identified NUJ media parliament as a veritable platform for public discourse on issues affecting the corporate interest of the country.
Reporting: Abubakar Umar,
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
