NBTE Launches Online Program for HND to BSc Conversion in One Year
In a groundbreaking move, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced a revolutionary online program designed to enable Higher National Diploma (HND) holders to upgrade their qualifications to Bachelor’s Degrees within a span of just one year.
This innovative initiative, in collaboration with foreign accredited universities, aims to bridge the gap between HND and Bachelor’s Degree holders.
The announcement was made by the Head of the NBTE’s Media Unit, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, during a press statement in Abuja on Monday. Mrs. Abubakar emphasized that the online top-up program was established to expedite the academic progression of HND holders towards advanced degrees.
Highlighting the challenges HND holders have faced in the past, Mrs. Abubakar noted that previous attempts to secure approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for a two-year Master of Technology program for HND holders had not been successful. As a result, many HND holders were compelled to pursue a one-year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before gaining admission into Master’s programs at universities.
The limitation of the PGD route became evident as it posed issues for individuals who later pursued doctoral degrees and wished for transition to Nigerian universities. These students were perpetually required to provide their initial degrees, even after achieving their doctorate qualifications. To address this longstanding concern and to eliminate unwarranted biases, the NBTE initiated a progressive pathway for HND holders seeking academic advancement.
To access this novel opportunity, interested individuals can visit the dedicated platform at https://topup.nbte.gov.ng. The online program promises a streamlined process for HND holders to enhance their qualifications, ultimately positioning them for more diverse career opportunities.
Additionally, the NBTE acknowledged a challenge faced by numerous polytechnic HND graduates: exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to admissions into non-accredited programs.
Mrs. Abubakar revealed that the NBTE has taken proactive measures to rectify this by creating an HND admission portal, exclusively featuring accredited programs. Furthermore, the NYSC will have access to this portal to identify eligible candidates for mobilization.
This strategic move aims to curb the issue of unauthorized admissions into unaccredited programs, ensuring compliance with carrying capacities to maintain the quality of education. Mrs. Abubakar expressed the board’s optimism that this measure would contribute to a fair and transparent system.
In conclusion, the NBTE appealed to the President of Nigeria to endorse the bill that aims to eliminate the HND-BSc dichotomy within the public service. The bill, previously approved by the National Assembly, seeks to eradicate unjust and unwarranted discrimination against graduates of the polytechnic system.
Mrs. Abubakar underscored the necessity of legal backing to enhance the recognition and status of HND holders, highlighting their pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s industrialization and contributing essential skills for national development.