The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has introduced an innovative solution for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, enabling them to obtain Bachelor’s Degree certificates in just one year through online “Top-Up” programs.

These programs are in collaboration with renowned foreign accredited universities, promising to provide HND holders with an accelerated path to further their education and career prospects.

Fatima Abubakar, the Board’s Head of Media, revealed that previous efforts to secure approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for a two-year Master of Technology program specifically designed for HND holders within certain polytechnics faced considerable challenges and did not materialize.

However, with this newly unveiled online Top-Up initiative, HND holders now have an expedited route to elevate their academic qualifications and expand their professional horizons.

“Many times HND Holders are forced to go for a one year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before they could be admitted into the Master’s Programme in Universities,” the statement partly read.

“The disadvantage of the PGD is that holders who continue to do Ph.D. and wish to migrate to a Nigerian University will always be queried to produce their first degree, even when they have Doctorates.

“To end this unwarranted prejudice, NBTE has now created this progression pathway for HND holders.”

“NBTE has now created a HND admission portal for use by all Polytechnics. Only accredited Programmes shall be visible on the portal and NYSC shall have viewing rights to know admitted candidates to be mobilised.

“This will hopefully bring an end to illegal HND admissions of unaccredited Programmes and at the same time ensure carrying capacities are adhered to for quality assurance,” she added.