The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to abolish the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor’s Degree holders in Nigeria, as it successfully passed second reading on the floor of the House.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Hon. Fuad Laguda from Lagos State, aims to replace HND certifications with Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, allowing polytechnic graduates to compete on equal footing with their university counterparts.

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Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, while speaking on the bill, highlighted the position of polytechnic boards across the country, stating: “The position taken by all boards of polytechnics in Nigeria is the abolition of HND and, in place of it, the introduction of Bachelor of Technology so that at least graduates of polytechnics will be able to compete with those from universities.”

As part of the proposed reforms, the bill also calls for a hybrid supervisory structure, where the National Universities Commission (NUC) would oversee the degree component of polytechnic education, while the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) would continue to regulate the National Diploma (ND) programs.

Furthermore, the amendment seeks to raise the minimum qualification for polytechnic rectors to a Ph.D. Speaker Abbas explained the rationale behind this change, stating:

“Because of the degree component of this amendment, they felt that the qualification for being rector should also be upgraded to a Ph.D. holder at the minimum. Since you will now be talking about degree programmes, it is only proper for such an establishment to have a Ph.D. holder as the head of the institution.”

If passed into law, the move could mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s higher education framework.

A fatal accident on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of at least 16 people, who were burnt beyond recognition, while three others sustained injuries along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.

The crash, which occurred around 1 pm near Buhari Estate, involved a white Mazda bus with registration number KJA 949 YJ.

According to the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the vehicle was carrying a filled gas cylinder, which exploded following a fire outbreak.

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FRSC spokesperson Florence Okpe confirmed the incident, stating, “A total of 21 people were involved in the crash. Sixteen victims were burnt beyond recognition, making it impossible to ascertain their genders at the scene, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.”

The state’s FRSC Sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, who led the rescue operation, blamed the incident on recklessness.

He criticised the decision to transport a filled gas cylinder in a passenger vehicle, saying, “Highly flammable substances should only be conveyed in designated vehicles operated by trained professionals.”

Fasakin also supervised efforts to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow along the busy route.

While expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, he urged motorists to prioritise safety to prevent such tragedies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation, following a rigorous selection process.

His appointment, approved on Tuesday, will take effect on March 7, 2025, coinciding with the retirement of the incumbent, Oluwatoyin Madehin.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Ogunjimi emerged as the preferred candidate through a competitive and merit-based selection process.

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“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service.

“The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.

“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions,” the statement read in part.

Ogunjimi, 57, is an experienced financial expert with a background in public sector accounting.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later earned a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.

He is also a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

President Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment and urged him to uphold integrity, professionalism, and dedication in his service to the nation.