EXCLUSIVE FEATURE (DEVELOPING STORY): "What Is the Hope for HND Holders?” — Polytechnic Graduates Fear Uncertainty as Universities Suspend Conversion Programmes
Illustrative image depicting the perceived academic and professional imbalance between HND and B.Sc. qualifications in Nigeria By Victor Olubiye The growing uncertainty surrounding conversion or “top-up” programmes in Nigerian universities is raising fresh concerns among Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, many of whom see the programmes as their most realistic pathway to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree without restarting their academic journey. Recent reports that some universities, including Kwara State University (KWASU), have suspended their conversion programmes following directives linked to the National Universities Commission (NUC) have triggered anxiety among prospective applicants across the country. National Universities Commission (NUC) — the regulatory body overseeing university education standards in Nigeria One of those affected is Asiyanbi Blessing, a male graduate of Mass Communication from Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who described the development as a major setback...