By Uzo Ugwunze
The Federal Polytechnic Oko Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has formally advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of polytechnic education to align it with university education standards, citing the entrenched disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualifications, which disproportionately affects HND holders.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, emphasized the imperative for polytechnic education to contribute to national development through enhanced industrial productivity, reduced youth unemployment, and improved labor market relevance.
ASUP Chairman, Barr Fidelis Odua, highlighted the conference’s objective to address pressing challenges facing polytechnic education, including the entrenched HND-BSc dichotomy, inadequate funding, and limited career advancement prospects for HND holders.
Expert speakers at the conference recommended strategic initiatives, including digital transformation, industry-academia collaboration, and vocational training, to enhance the efficacy and relevance of polytechnic education.
The conference culminated in a resolution to submit a communiqué to the Federal Government, urging policymakers to address the challenges facing polytechnic education and promote equal opportunities for HND holders.
Uzo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
