By Ngozi Nwankwo
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics,ASUP, Federal Polytechnic Oko Chapter, has demanded for immediate reforms to eliminate the Higher National Diploma,HND- Bachelor of Science,BSc dichotomy in Nigeria, citing discrimination and limited career growth for HND holders.
The union disclosed this at the opening of its 2026 International Hybrid Conference themed “Recalibrating Polytechnic Education for Sustainable Development,” alongside the commissioning of its new secretariat.
During their 2026 conference, the ASUP Chairman, Oko Chapter, Dr Fidelis Odua
urged federal government for improved polytechnic funding and curriculum updates, emphasizing that overcoming this structural imbalance is essential to curbing youth unemployment and increasing industrial productivity.
Odua also cited poor funding and low preference for HND holders in the labour market as major challenges facing polytechnic education, urging the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education,NBTE, to reposition the sector for equal opportunities.
Also speaking, the Rector of the institution, Dr Chioma Awuzie, said a revitalised polytechnic system would boost industrial productivity, reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s technological base.
Awuzie advised stakeholders to align curricula with labour market demands and prioritise practical, skill-based training.
Presenting a paper, Deputy Rector, Dr Nkiruka Akabuike, advocated digital transformation in polytechnics through improved ICT infrastructure, industry collaboration and curriculum redesign to meet modern workforce needs.
Other speakers, including Prof Angela Nwammuo and Dr Otuu Ogbonnia, stressed the need for partnerships with the private sector to enhance funding, while former ASUP National President, Dr Chibuzo Asomugha, lamented the absence of key government stakeholders at the conference.
He warned that without policy backing, recommendations from such engagements may not translate into meaningful reforms.
The chapter plans to send a formal communiqué to the Federal Government aiming to secure equal status for polytechnic graduates, building on wider, long-standing union efforts to end this disparity.
