A Nigerian Higher National Diploma (HND) holder, Mayowa Oladele, has sparked debate over the value of polytechnic education in Nigeria, warning prospective students that obtaining an HND may not guarantee equal opportunities in the country’s competitive labour market.
Oladele, who holds an HND in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, delivered his blunt message in a strongly worded statement directed at students considering polytechnic education primarily as a pathway to employment.
“Quit that polytechnic now! Quit that polytechnic now!! Quit that polytechnic now!!!” he declared, arguing that students whose principal objective is to secure jobs with their qualifications should carefully reconsider their decisions.
According to Oladele, the challenge is not necessarily the quality of education offered by polytechnics but the way some employers treat HND holders compared with graduates holding university degrees.
He alleged that some employers place greater emphasis on the type of qualification a candidate possesses than on the individual’s practical abilities, intellectual capacity, experience or professional competence.
Oladele also expressed concern that HND holders may find themselves working under university degree holders whom they consider less capable, arguing that such workplace arrangements can contribute to frustration and a sense of professional stagnation.
He acknowledged that some HND graduates have achieved significant career success but maintained that individual success stories do not erase the broader concerns surrounding qualification-based discrimination in recruitment and career progression.
“Polytechnic education is not bad, but the Nigerian labour system will make you regret it,” he argued, advising prospective students not to choose polytechnics solely because they expect their certificates to secure employment after graduation.
His comments have brought renewed attention to the longstanding debate over the relationship between university degrees and Higher National Diplomas in Nigeria.
Polytechnics traditionally emphasise technical, vocational and practical training designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills. Their graduates work across several sectors, including engineering, technology, business, communication and other professional fields.
However, concerns about unequal recognition of HND and bachelor’s degree qualifications have persisted for years, particularly in relation to recruitment requirements, promotion opportunities and career advancement in parts of the public and private sectors.
Although government policies have sought to address disparities between HND holders and university graduates, implementation and employer practices remain important considerations. It would therefore be inaccurate to conclude that every employer discriminates against HND holders or that an HND automatically limits a graduate’s career prospects.
Oladele’s warning also raises a difficult question for Nigeria’s education system: should young people be discouraged from pursuing polytechnic education, or should policymakers and employers focus on ensuring that qualifications are assessed fairly and that practical competence receives appropriate recognition?
For prospective students, the decision requires more than a blanket rejection of polytechnic education. Factors such as the chosen course, professional accreditation, industry demand, practical skills, opportunities for further study and individual career goals all matter.
Ultimately, Oladele’s message is a sharp criticism of a labour market he believes undervalues HND qualifications. His intervention challenges employers and policymakers to confront concerns about unequal opportunities while encouraging students to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
Whether his advice to prospective students to avoid polytechnics is justified remains a matter of debate. What is clear, however, is that young Nigerians deserve an employment system in which their abilities and competence are given meaningful consideration, rather than being judged primarily by the title of the certificate they hold.
