Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)
The President and Commander-in-Chief,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dear Sir,

It is with great concern that I wrote this letter and I hope you would give it your urgent attention.

Sir, as a university teacher, I make bold to say to you that although a Bachelor’s degree and a Higher National Diploma (HND) are both types of academic qualifications, they are different, and one is neither an alternative to the other nor an equivalent of the other. HND is not equal in scope, content, depth, and requirements to a Bachelor’s degree.

Sir, do not sign the bill calling for making HND an equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree. Below, I shall elucidate on the differences between the two and hope you would use the light of my exposition to guide your action.

A bachelor’s degree is typically considered a higher level of study compared to an HND. A Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a full-time program lasting three to four years. In contrast, an HND is a vocational qualification offered by colleges and universities, usually obtained over a period of two years.

Bachelor’s degree programs provide a broader and more comprehensive education in a specific field of study. They usually require students to take a range of general education courses alongside their major subjects. This broader focus allows students to develop a well-rounded understanding of their discipline and gain transferable skills. HND programs, on the other hand, have a more practical and vocational emphasis. They focus on specific skill sets required for particular industries or professions.

Bachelor’s degree programs generally have a higher level of academic rigour compared to HND programs. They often involve more theoretical and research-based coursework, and students are expected to engage in independent study, critical analysis, and academic writing. HND programs, while still academically challenging, place greater emphasis on practical skills development, work-based learning, and hands-on training.

Bachelor’s degrees are widely recognized and accepted as entry qualifications for a variety of careers and further academic pursuits. They often provide a pathway to postgraduate studies, such as Master’s or Ph.D. programs. HND qualifications, although valued by employers, are generally not equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in terms of academic standing. However, many HND graduates choose to “top up” their qualifications by completing an additional year of study at a university to convert their HND into a Bachelor’s degree.

Some professions and regulatory bodies may have specific educational requirements and a Bachelor’s degree might be preferred or even mandatory. In such cases, an HND may not be sufficient for certain professional roles or licensure. It is important to research the requirements of the specific field or industry you are interested in to determine the appropriate qualification needed.

From the above, sir, you would agree with me that it amounts to a bastardization of the entire educational system to equate an HND, which provides more specialized, practical training with a vocational focus, to a Bachelor’s degree, which offers a broader, more theoretical education and is often a prerequisite for further academic study.

Sir, my intention here is not to talk down on HND but to show that both qualifications have their merits, and both can lead to successful careers. However, in terms of their educational scopes, recognition, and career opportunities, the two are not the same.

Yours Sincerely,

Bukola Adeyemi, OYENIYI (PhD)
Associate Professor
Department of History,
Missouri State University, USA