HND Conversion to BSc Program in Nigeria (Latest)

Although having an Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nigeria opens doors to great career opportunities, many Polytechnic graduates are still yearning for a Bachelor’s degree (BSc). It is for such graduates that I am writing this comprehensive post exploring HND to BSc Conversion Programs in Nigeria. My aim is to show them that it is now very easy to bridge the gap between HND and BSc through HND Conversion to BSc programs. They will also discover the various types of HND to BSc conversion programs in Nigeria, the requirements and steps to successful conversion.

HND to B.Sc Conversion Programs in Nigeria

In Nigeria, HND and BSc are two distinct undergraduate qualifications. In other words, both HND and BSc are qualifications before master’s and doctorate.

HND programs focus on practical skills and application. So holders of HND come out practically equipped to handle the day to day activities in organizations. But BSc programs offer a much broader theoretical foundation to students.

But Why Do People Consider HND Conversion to BSc?

There are many reasons why holders of HND consider topping up their certificate to BSc. In this section, I’m going to highlight some of them.

• As far as the Nigerian educational landscape is concerned, there is an unfortunate dichotomy between HND and bachelor’s degree. For example, HND holders are not allowed to proceed for master’s degree directly, they need to acquire a PGD first. But the case is different in many other European countries.
• Up till the date of writing this post, HND holders are not allowed to join the polytechnics as assistant lecturers just like their university counterparts.
• The Nigerian system has a lot of prejudice against HND holders. For example, BSc graduates generally earn significantly more than HND holders throughout their careers.
• BSc holders are seen as having broader knowledge base and advanced skills. This makes them to be more competitive in the job market.
• Most employers prefer BSc to HND holders.
• BSc is an internationally recognized degree. On account of that, it opens doors to further education and career opportunities worldwide.

The above some of the many reasons why people are searching for HND conversion to BSc programs in Nigeria.

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Types of HND Conversion to BSc Programs in Nigeria

There are about three types of HND to BSc conversion programs in Nigeria. They include:

1. NBTE One-Year Top-Up Program
2. Direct Entry into BSc Programs
3. Bridge Programs

1. NBTE One-Year Top-Up Program

The NBTE one-year top-up program is a newly launched HND to BSc conversion program. It is an initiative of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and aims to allow HND holders to complete a one-year online top-up with foreign accredited universities. At the end of the one year, they earn a recognized BSc degree.

2. Direct Entry into BSc Programs

Gaining Direct Entry admission into the 200 level of a relevant BSc program is a popular way of converting HND to BSc. HND graduates with good grades can apply for a BSc program relevant to their field.

If the duration of the BSc program is four years, HND holders would study it for three years to obtain their BSc. If the duration of the BSc program is five years, HND holders would study for four years to obtain their BSc. And so on.

Most Nigerian universities accept direct entry candidates with HND into relevant BSc programs.

3. Bridge Programs

Certain universities in Nigeria conduct bridge programs designed for HND holders to bridge the gap between their diploma and the BSc curriculum. We are going to mention some popular schools offering bridge programs later on this post.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a HND to BSc Conversion Program

It is true that converting your HND to a BSc is an investment in your future. We are all agreed on the fact that it opens doors to greater career opportunities, higher earning, personal growth and a brighter professional horizon.

But you don’t have to dabble into any program that promises to convert your HND to BSc. There are important factors to consider. Here are some of them:

• Ensure that the HND conversion to BSc program is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) if it is running in Nigeria. If the conversion program is run by a foreign university, ensure that it is accredited by relevant international bodies.
• Consider the program duration and cost to determine if you can really afford it. Find out the required time commitment to ensure that you won’t be too busy for the program.
• Ensure that the university you are going to offer your HND conversion to BSc program is reputable and has a strong academic record.
• Finally, be sure that the program aligns with your career goals and interests.

List of Universities that offer HND Conversion to BSc Programs in Nigeria

For HND holders asking the question, “Which university in Nigeria can I do a one year HND to BSc conversion program?” Below is a list of boards and universities in Nigeria where you can offer a one-year conversion program:

1. National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)

This is a programme for HND holders to convert their certification to bachelor’s degree (BA or BSc) via online one year top-up with foreign accredited universities. Please note that this is an online HND to BSc conversion program.

Requirements and Guides for HND to BSc Conversion Through NBTE

Here are the requirements and step-by-step guides for HND holders to convert their certificates to BSc through the NBTE’s one-year programme:

• You must own a HND certificate in one of the recognized and approved polytechnics and monotechnics.
• Visit the admission portal https://admission.topup.nbte.gov.ng, create an account and log in.
• Supply all your details in relation to your HND which you already have.
• After creating the account you can move ahead to submission of a new application.
• The university’s programs chosen should align with the technical and vocational fields covered by NBTE.
• After selecting a course of your choice, you will get the option to select which institute you want to study at and there you can see their program fees followed by a button to even view details about the institute on their institutional profile page.
• After submitting the form you will see the application status under the ‘my applications’ tab and you can go ahead with the submission of the form fees (USD 100) to enable the university to start processing your admission.
• You can further go to the payments tab to download your fees receipt for the application form fee payment.

After the university has approved your admission, then you can go to my application and download your admission letter.

2. University of Ibadan HND Conversion Program

The University of Ibadan offers a unique opportunity for HND holders to top up to BSc through its dedicated conversion program. The HND conversion to BSc program takes one year to complete, although there are some variations depending on the chosen discipline.

The program involves a coursework that is focused on bridging the gap between HND and BSc curriculum. This implies that it covers relevant theoretical and practical aspects of different fields. Students also carry out research project which offers them the opportunity to delve deeper into their specific area of interest.

To be eligible for the UI HND conversion program, you must:

• hold a recognized HND in a relevant discipline.
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) in your HND.
• meet any additional program-specific requirements, such as entrance exams or interviews.

3. Conversion of HND to BSc in NOUN

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers a flexible pathway for HND graduates to upgrade their qualifications to BSc. But you must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (Lower Credit) in your HND to be eligible.

4. UNILAG HND Conversion Program

A degree from UNILAG carries significant weight and recognition in the Nigerian job market. If you earn your B.Sc. through their conversion program, it would add prestige to your qualifications and open doors to top-tier career opportunities.

But you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Upper Credit) in your HND to qualify to apply for UNILAG HND conversion program.

5. FUOYE Conversion Program

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) offers a dedicated Top-Up/Conversion Degree Program designed to help HND holders bridge the gap to a BSc. Graduates of Nigerian universities with Third Class or Pass divisions can also take advantage of the program to engender career advancement, higher earning potential and broader job opportunities.

6. ABU HND Conversion Program

Ahmadu Bello University offers opportunity to HND holders to convert their certification to BSc via Direct Entry programs.

The school admits HND candidates into 200 Level for a minimum of three and maximum of five academic sessions.

7. LASU Conversion Program

8. KWASU HND Conversion Program

9. LAUTECH HND Conversion Program

10. Covenant University HND Conversion Program

11. Best Tower University Conversion Program

12. Ignatius Ajuru University HND Conversion Program

13. Bells University Conversion Program

14. FUTA HND Conversion

Conclusion

Taking an HND conversion to BSc program is a right step in the right direction for any HND holder wishing to bridge the gap between his certification and that of his counterparts with bachelor’s degree. At the end of the day, you will become more competitive in the job market, earn higher salaries, among other awesome benefits.

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See you in the next post.