Higher National Diploma (HND) students at Kwara State Polytechnic have voiced strong opposition to Kwara State University's (KWASU) decision to discontinue its Top-Up/HND conversion programme, labeling the policy as discriminatory against polytechnic graduates. The announcement, made on May 11, 2026, stated that the programme would be phased out starting from the 2025/2026 academic session, following directives from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
KWASU Ends Top-Up Programme in Compliance with NUC
In a statement released by the university's Registrar, Dr. Kikelomo W. Sallee, KWASU confirmed the discontinuation of the conversion programme, citing NUC regulations that govern university education in Nigeria. The statement noted that the NUC would provide further guidance regarding the status of students already enrolled in the programme. This development has sparked widespread frustration among HND students, who argue that it undermines their academic advancement opportunities.
Students Express Frustration Over Policy Change
Speaking with Legit.ng, several HND students expressed their disappointment. Lawal Taofeeq, an HND student at Kwara State Polytechnic, described the decision as painful, stating that many students viewed the conversion programme as a crucial pathway to bridge the educational gap between polytechnic and university graduates. He questioned why alternative entry routes like JUPEB, IJMB, and diploma programmes are accepted for direct entry into universities, while HND conversion is now treated as unacceptable.
Another student, Mariam Bello, highlighted the anxiety caused by the decision, noting that many HND holders enrolled in conversion programmes to improve their qualifications in response to employer discrimination. She argued that the government's policies perpetuate the perception that polytechnic education is inferior, despite the technical contributions of polytechnic graduates.
Call for Equal Recognition of HND Certificates
A National Diploma graduate, identified as Shittu, emphasized that the discontinuation reflects a deeper issue within Nigeria's educational system. He noted that while the government promotes skills and technical education, polytechnic students are consistently sidelined. Conversion programmes had provided HND holders with a fair chance to compete in the labour market, where degree certificates are often prioritized. The debate over the disparity between Bachelor's Degrees and HND qualifications remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders calling for equal recognition in employment and career progression.
NUC Orders Nationwide End to HND Conversion Programmes
In a related development, the NUC has mandated the immediate cessation of all HND to BSc conversion and top-up degree programmes across Nigerian universities. Institutions including KWASU and Al-Hikmah University have confirmed compliance, suspending their top-up admissions and directing all future undergraduate entry processes through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This move has intensified concerns among HND students about their academic future and the widening inequality in Nigeria's education system.
