Following the removal of dichotomy between the University and Polytechnic graduates in Nigeria, Coalition of Higher National Diploma (HND) stakeholders has applauded the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma graduates.
The Coalition made the commendation at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assent bill without delay.
In his address, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Sabastine Onyemaobi said the bill when signed would impact positively on all household in Nigeria as unwarranted injustice and discrimination in workplaces would be eliminated.
He said “the passage of this monumental Bill, has therefore rekindled the joy, hope and self-esteem of millions of HND holders who over the years have been enmeshed in abject traumatization due to unwarranted discrimination, harsh and inhumane treatments at their various work places in both public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy; in spite of their vast potentials, hardwork and immerse contributions to national development.
“Further more, this uncommon bill passed by the National Assembly will indeed provide succor and a cushion to the dilemma of millions of Polytechnic and Monotechnics students who have been engulfed in wondrous contemplation on how to approach the bleak, uncertain and insecure future as well as unbearable workplace environment that await them upon graduation from their various Polytechnic and Monotechnics Institutions.
“It is on this note therefore, that we cannot appreciate enough, this awesome Legislation by the two hallowed chambers of the National Assembly. A legislation that is crafted to address a major societal injustice and one of the key setback on technological growth of the nation’s quest for industrialization” he added.
Comrade Sabastine on behalf of the Association assured President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly and Nigerians that the Polytechnic system and HND graduates will work and live up to their expectations and justify the confidence reposed on them if the Bill is signed into Law.
Also Speaking, the National President, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPST), Mr Sunday Asuku appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to register his foot prints in the sands of time by assenting to this bill.
Citing China as an example, Asuku said technology is the bedrock for the development of any country of which Polytechnic upholds.
He also request for a level playing ground for all graduates in Nigeria using productivity as requisite for employment in every sector.
The Coalition comprises of over forty (40) Associations and Groups covering Polytechnics and Monotechnics Students and Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates as well as Trade Unions and Associations that unionize HND holders in both public and private sectors of the country.
