Discrimination? Controversy As Nigerian University Bars Staff With HND/ND Certificates From Attending Meeting

A fresh controversy has erupted at Taraba State University, Jalingo, following an internal memo restricting staff with Higher National Diploma (HND) and Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificates from attending a university congregation meeting.
The memo, issued by the Office of the Registrar and dated 3rd February 2024, invited only academic and non-academic staff with a first degree and above to the meeting, scheduled for 4th February 2025.
The agenda focused on the election of internal members of the council.
However, a specific clause in the memo stated that “All HND/OND holders are NOT allowed to attend this meeting, please,” sparking widespread criticism.
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The directive has since generated outrage among polytechnic graduates and education stakeholders, who condemned it as discriminatory and a deliberate attempt to undermine the value of HND and OND qualifications.
Many argue that the exclusion of HND holders further fuels the lingering disparity between university and polytechnic graduates in Nigeria, despite several calls for reforms in the education sector.
As reactions continue to pour in, the university management is yet to make an official statement addressing the backlash.

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.