The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has revealed that the House is advancing a bill aimed at criminalizing the disparity and discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders from polytechnics and Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) holders from universities.
Abbas shared this during the 36th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, on Thursday. He was represented by Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, a House member from Lagos State, who was also honored as a Fellow of the College.
“We know the importance of education and what the country would gain by promoting vocational and technical education. The country needs people with the skills needed to take it to a higher level. Those who are going to raise the nation’s profile technologically. In view of that, we are increasing funds to the sector.
“Also, we are taking steps by working on the necessary legal framework to criminalise the dichotomy between HND and BSc certificates. There should be equal opportunity for all,” Abbas said.
He encouraged the graduating students to seize available opportunities and make a positive impact in the world.
Similarly, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, who was also conferred with a Fellowship, underscored her commitment to education. Represented by her aide, Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, she announced a N50 million Endowment Fund to support female best-graduating students.
“The Fund is to support female best-graduating students. We need to support education and we should support the education of the girl child and remove all the barriers on her path. Even when I was in the Senate, my focus was on how to make life better and easier for our young ones. They are our future,” she stated.
In a speech read on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, the President highlighted his administration’s strides in improving education. He mentioned initiatives such as the Student Loan Scheme and the NEEDS Assessment for tertiary institutions.
The President also advised the graduates to be exemplary ambassadors of their alma mater.
In his address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, noted the institution’s legacy of excellence over its 77-year history. He appealed for support from individuals and corporate entities to upgrade facilities on campus.
Prof. Funso Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council, praised the college management for their achievements since assuming office.