National Executives of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering NATE at a media briefing in Abuja. Photo: Daniel Adejo/Radio Nigeria
The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, NATE has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the bill designed to end the disparity between holders of first degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates in the country.
The National President of NATE, Comrade Dominic Udoatan, who made the call while briefing newsmen in Abuja, urged the president to assent to the bill before leaving office on May 29
Comrade Udoatan said the bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between first degree and higher National Diploma in same profession for the purpose of employment, career progression and related matters was transmitted to the President for assent on the 8 March 2022.
He explained that the bill, when passed into law, would reduce unemployment and address the stringent emphasis on certificate while technological education and advancement would be enhanced for the growth of the nation.
Comrade Udoatan called on stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to follow up on the bill to ensure it is signed into law before the end of the president administration.
‘’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 Petroleum industry Bill, 2022 Electoral Amendment Bill and hopefully HND, Fist-Degree Dichotomy Abolition Bill that have touched the lives of Nigerians and Nigeria Economy’’, he stated.
Comrade Udoatan also appealed to the Head of Service of the Federation and the Attorney General of the Federation to support the signing into law of the bill.
Writing by Daniel Adejo; Editing by Annabel Nwachukwu