House Gives Nod To Bill Ending First Degree, HND Dichotomy

The House of Representatives yesterday approved a Bill that will remove the long-standing dichotomy between first degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) in the employment of their holders.

The House, through a Committee of the Whole, considered the report and approved the recommendation while awaiting third reading and final passage.

The law stipulates a fine of N1 million for anybody or institution in the country to go against the provisions of the law.



The issue of dichotomy between first degree and HND holders has been in the front burner of national discourse for a long time, especially on employment issues.

The Bill is expected to end “all forms of discriminations and/or dichotomy between first degree and HND for the purpose of employment, transfer of service, conversation of cadre, career progression, promotion and in other related issues in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy”.

It also states: “No person, authority, entity (body or corporate) on whatsoever name called shall discriminate and/or undertake any action in any form whatsoever which is construed as and/or intended to give any preferential treatment in favour of and or against holders of the first degree or the HND.”

It said further that any person or entity in both the public and private sector who contravenes the provisions of the Bill commits an offence and shall be liable to a fine of N1 million or a fine of two years, among other provisions.

The House is expected to read the Bill the third time on a later date to pave the way for harmonisation between the Senate version, which was passed earlier, and the House version.

– The Nation