GOOD NEWS: HND now equal to university degree in Nigeria

– There had been clamour from education rights groups as well as workers for the removal of the differences between HND and university degrees

– The federal government, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, finally succumbed to pressure and announced the removal in all of its services

The Nigerian government has reportedly stopped the dichotomy between holders of university degrees and Higher National Diploma (HND).

This regularization that comes after many years of agitation, is now to be implemented in all government services.

Channels Television reports that the decision was reached after a meeting of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Board (CDFIPB) and chaired by the minister of interior, retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau.

“The board has directed that all officers with HND to be upgraded to COMPASS 08, which is the salary Grade Level for holders of degree certificates at entry point.

“While the nomenclature for the HND holders will start with the rank of Senior Inspector, the Degree holders are with the rank of Assistant Superintendent II,” a statement from the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abubakar Magaji, said

plusmilang.com learnt that the board also approved the commencement of the 2017 promotion exercise for all the services and that this would commence with effect from July 17.

The report further said the establishment of the Institute of Domestic Security was also approved by the board to boost internal security mechanism in the country.

The federal government also approved a re-organisation of the Nigeria Immigration Service saying this was in line with the provision of the act that set it up.

The report quoted the minister as saying the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration places a high premium on the welfare of its workers. He urged the workers to show their appreciation by improving on their performances and dedication to duty.

plusmilang.com earlier reported that the degrees acquired at universities, polytechnics and colleges would be treated as of equal importance and the senate committee on tertiary education is currently working on it.

The chairman of the committee, Sen Binta Garba, commented on the process in Abuja saying: “Again what we are doing as a committee on tertiary institution; we are trying to come out with a conference on legislative agenda on education.

We are trying to look at all other summits on education, trying to look at policies of government on education and trying to see how we can have a balance.”