National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has clarified that its Higher National Diploma (HND) migration programme to university degree is not for all holders of polytechnic diplomas in the country.

It noted that the new online top-up programme for HND holders to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in one year from accredited foreign universities was basically for those wishing to pursue careers in academics. 

A statement by NBTE’s Head of Media Unit, Fatima Abubakar, quoted the Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, saying: “The programme was not for all HND holders, but rather for those who have the ambition to further their careers in an academic environment such as teaching and research in the polytechnics or universities.” 

“This top-up is an alternative to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) offered by Nigerian universities. In a democracy such as ours, HND holders should be allowed to make a choice between PGD and the Top-up to BSc,” the statement stressed.

The spokesperson said, “the Board’s clarification came on the heels of misunderstandings about the programme, including editorials in one national dailies,” adding: “The top-up is not bringing an end to HND programmes in polytechnics, but rather provides choice to HND holders wanting to go for an academic career.”