TheCable

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the bill seeking to end the HND and BSc dichotomy in the country.

Dominic Udoatan, president of the association, who spoke at a briefing in Abuja on Friday, called on head of the service of the federation and the attorney-general of the federation to give their support for the signing of the bill.

“This is the first time the National Assembly has settled on the bill for the abolition of HND and first-degree dichotomy in Nigeria. We wish to use this medium to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his indefatigable leadership. This is a great achievement,” Udoatan said.

“We wish to appeal to Mr President to assent to the bill on the abolition of the HND, first-degree dichotomy that is now before him. If the bill is graciously signed by the president, posterity will forever remember him as the President that has signed bills such as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2022 electoral amendment bill, and hopefully the 2023 HND, first-degree dichotomy abolition bill that has touched the lives of Nigerians and Nigerian economy.

“I wish to state categorically that, a bill for an act to abolish and prohibit dichotomy and discrimination in same profession/field for the purpose of employment and for related matters, has been sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for assent on 8th March 2022, with Ref No NASS/CAN/37/VOL1/58. This is still pending in the office of the President.”

The NATE president said the bill, if assented to by the President, will reduce unemployment and the stringent emphasis on certificate while the population of students seeking admission into universities will also reduce.

BACKGROUND

A bill for an act to abolish HND and first-degree dichotomy was sponsored by Patrick Ayo Akinyelure, the senator representing Ondo central district.

The bill passed through public hearing during which Nigerians agreed that the disparity should be removed.

The senate passed the bill on June 2, 2021 while the house of representatives also passed it on November 23 the same year.

Udoatan said those obstructing the presidential assent to the bill want the country to remain an importing nation and “not wishing the country well”.

“We most respectfully congratulate the 9th national assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this once a lifetime achievement and hereby wish to inform them that the journey is not taken to a logical conclusion until the president signs the bill into law,” he added.