THE Federal Government has explained the rationale behind the one-year mandatory training requirements for holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND), before their conversion from Executive to Officer Cadre, in the federal civil service.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, revealed the reason while speaking at an interactive session, with civil servant in Abuja. Yemi-Esan, who was conducting her third interactive session with civil servants since she assumed office, was responding to question from Adebayo Hassan, a Grade Level 14 officer, who requested to know why the dichotomy between B.Sc and HND, in public service; and what government is doing to bridge the gap.
According to the HoSF “ the curriculum for HND and B.Sc are not the same; hence, HND graduates will have to undergo mandatory one-year training before conversion from Executive to Officer Cadre.” The battle for equality between the holders of HND and Bachelor’s degrees, which has continued to generate controversies, saw a major leap in 2021, when the Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill prohibiting discrimination between them. Mr. Adebayo Bamidele Hassan on Grade Level 14 had earlier asked on the dichotomy between B.Sc and HND holders in the Service and what the Federal Government was doing to bridge the gap.
Speaking on the theme of the 2024 Civil Service Week, Yemi-Esan emphasized on the need for education to be accessible, inclusive and of high quality, while highlighting the need for it to constantly remain relevant to the rapidly evolving demands of the modern world. According to her, ”The theme also speaks to how the Nigerian Civil Service is leveraging learning and development to enhance the capacity and capability of its work- force with a view to delivering on national priorities.”
The bill was titled a “ Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for the Purpose of Employment; and for Related Matters,” prohibits discrimination between HND and bachelor’s degree, and prescribe equality among them.
Part of the content of the bill says “ Notwithstanding any provision in any legislation, circular, regulation or policy guideline, First Degree and Higher National Diplo- ma shall be deemed construed and treated as equivalent qualification for the purpose of employment and career progression at workplace in the public and private sec- tors of the Nigerian economy,” the bill reads in part.
