The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the long-awaited bill abolishing the dichotomy between holders of Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications.
Speaking at the association’s national conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) over the weekend, NATE’s National President, Dominic Udoatan, emphasized that the bill has successfully passed all legislative stages and now requires only the president’s signature to become law.
The conference, themed “Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions through the Development of Codes and Standards, Regulations, and Their Enforcement,” also saw Udoatan re-elected unopposed as NATE’s president. Reflecting on his tenure, Udoatan said one of his primary objectives since assuming office six years ago was ensuring the successful passage of the bill to address what he described as a longstanding injustice to technologists.
“One of the most critical milestones was our strong advocacy for the elimination of the academic distinction between BSc and HND holders,” Udoatan said. “Today, I am pleased to inform you that this bill has passed through all necessary stages at the National Assembly and now awaits the presidential assent of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”
He urged the federal government to act decisively, adding that the elimination of the HND/BSc dichotomy would revolutionize engineering education and career advancement for technologists in Nigeria.
Udoatan also appealed to the federal government to include the technological cadre in the public service structure, allowing career progression beyond Grade Level 14. He lamented the current structure, which classifies technologists under the technical cadre—a level he argued was more suitable for diploma holders.
“We have submitted a memo to the relevant authorities seeking the recognition and registration of B.Tech Education, Higher National Certificate (HNC), and other HND-equivalent qualifications for corporate membership with NATE and registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) as engineering technologists,” Udoatan said. “If approved, this will broaden our scope and enhance our capacity.”
NATE pledged to continue its collaboration with COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to achieve this goal through legal, legislative, and administrative measures.
During the AGM, new officers were also elected to steer the association’s affairs. Mahmud Hussaini emerged as the National Deputy President, while Reuben Maisamari, Mohammed A. Bala, and Gotom Daniel were elected as Vice Presidents for the North-east and North-central zones, respectively.
Other elected officials include Tokede Sunday (Vice-President South-west), Chidi Dimkpa (Vice-President South-south), Peter N. Ekenachi (Vice-President South-east), and Ibidapo S. Kayode (National General Secretary), among others.
