HND-BSc Dichotomy: NIEEE Moves To Counter End Of Discriminatory Policy

The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers NIEEE has described as illogical the various attempts to repeal the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelors Degree.

National Chairman of the body, Engr. Michael Akan FNIEEE made his position known during an interview on a private radio station, Sweet FM 107.1 in Abeokuta.

It would be recalled that the Senate had recently passed a bill prohibiting employers in the country from discriminating between first degree and HND holders following the consideration of a report by the Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters as well as Tertiary institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

In his reactions, Engr. Akan noted that “While I will agree that it’s good for us to move on, the different cadre of Engineering as categorized by COREN is to me it’s very efficient. Something we should maintain for now.

We have from the lowest, the craftsmen (technical college graduates), technician (OND holders), technologist (HND holders) and engineers (University graduates).”

“These different cadre have different functions that enhances societal development. But because of the economy of Nigeria, people come out from school without job, an engineer will then compete for the job of a technologist. If polytechnics are now converted to universities, there will be a missing gap to be filled in that order and that’s going to affect the profession.”

The NIEEE National Chairman however hinted that the provision of jobs for every graduate and a level playing ground for all to grow in their line of work will end agitations for the end of dichotomy between HND and BSC graduates.

Speaking on metering in Nigeria, the National chairman identified theft of electricity as one of the largest contributory factors to the commercial losses and liquidity challenges that accrue to the power sector which is illegal and should be given stronger regulatory backing than the current inactive structures in place in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“With the reduction of Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection Losses being a key performance target for the distribution companies (Discos) who exist as the backbone of the industry operating as collection agents, it is critical and of utmost importance that the theft of electricity be given substantial weight with deterring sanctions; as these companies and other players in the value chain have made significant investments in the sector to ensure the availability of electricity at optimum and expected levels.”

Source: nieeeabeokuta