End In Sight For HND Discrimination As Akinyelure’s Bill Enters Second Reading

History would soon be made in Nigeria as Distinguished Senator Ayo Akinyelure, who represents Ondo Central in the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly is currently sponsoring a Bill, which has been slated for second reading, titled, *Prohibition Of Discrimination Between First Decrees And Higher National Diploma Bill, 2019*

The Bill, according to Akinyelure, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, is an act to abolish and prohibit decriminalization between BSc and HND for the purpose of employment and promotion in Nigeria and for other related matters.

Addressing his colleagues on the floor of the Senate amidst loud ovation, Akinyelure said, Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, it would be recalled that this Bill was first presented in the 7th Assembly and scaled through First and Second Reading. It is also worthy to note that the Executive Arm of Government had since then commenced implementation of part of the Bill, through circulars and directives to Ministries and Agencies.

One of the six paragraphs of the Bill include “Holders of the First Degree and the Higher National Diploma shall be given equal treatment and opportunity in career placements, career progression, admission to further studies and privileges whatsoever in consideration of status as graduates of Nigeria Tertiary Institutions of Higher learning”

Addressing journalists shortly after the plenary session in his office, Distinguished Senator Ayo Akinyelure said, “This Bill had been on since the 7th Assembly but God said it is time for the Bill to see the light of the day in this 9th Assembly”, Akinyelure said.

Meanwhile, some HND holders, numbering over 200 visited him in his office, showering him with encomiums for his bold steps in championing their course and those still in Nigerian Polytechnics across the country.