The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Dr. (Engr.) Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed has urged President Bola Tinubu to replace the existing Higher National Diploma (HND) with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) to benefit financially constrained students nationwide.
During a recent live radio program in Ibadan, Abdul-Hameed highlighted that a consortium of Rectors has collectively advocated for the substitution of HND with B.Tech, aiming to eliminate the dichotomy between Polytechnics and Universities.
He said that both Polytechnic undergraduates and lecturers exhibit competence comparable to their counterparts in universities.
Arguing that technical skills and entrepreneurship are pivotal for national economic development, the rector cited China and the United Arab Emirates as examples of thriving economies that rely on the skills and capabilities of their citizens.
Abdul-Hameed mentioned that Polytechnics focus on practical technical training and place a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, preparing students for self-employment in the face of a scarcity of white-collar jobs.
He conveyed the urgency for President Bola Tinubu to endorse the proposed bill, replacing HND with B.Tech, to avoid perpetuating the existing disparity. Abdul-Hameed expressed hope for a swift approval, given the prior administration’s failure to take action.
Commending the Federal Government for implementing student loans, Abdul-Hameed acknowledged the significance of making education accessible to financially challenged students.
He suggested that low tuition fees and interest-free student loans would further facilitate access to education, enabling students to repay loans through acquired skills within two years of graduation. Abdul-Hameed proposed the renewal or extension of loans beyond the initial two years, providing flexibility for students to fulfil their repayment obligations.
