The National Vice-President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ogunseye Timothy, has called upon stakeholders in the country to put an end to the existing dichotomy between BSc holders and HND holders.
He made this appeal on the side line of ASUP first International Conference hosted by the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Chapter of the union in Ikorodu, Lagos.
While speaking on the theme; “Africa’s Solution to Africa’s Challenges: Nigeria’s Perspectives”, he said that polytechnic graduates were not inferior to their university counterparts.
He added that Nigerians must not continue to discriminate between those who attend Universities and those who attended Polytechnic. He said such dichotomy will only hinder technological advancement in the country.
“I do not see any reason why the dichotomy should continue as the same admission requirement applies to candidates choosing polytechnics and universities.
“Reviewing the curricula of tertiary institutions in terms of practical and other educational contents, polytechnic graduates are far better than universities.
“Nigerian graduates are equal, notwithstanding the schools they attend. However, this discrepancy between polytechnic and university is worrisome.
“Without doubt, if the discrimination continues, the country’s technological advancement being the backbone of any economic growth will be negatively affected.
“As a matter of fact, there is need for employers to change their perception towards HND graduates because BSC holders are not in any way better than them.
“If care is not taken, competent hands will be short-changed which would handicap the country’s progress,’’ he said.