HND holders demand end to discrimination

The Higher National Diploma Holders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday asked the Office of the Head of Service to implement a government White Paper removing the ceiling on the career progression of HND holders.

The association noted that HND holders had continued to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation and deserved to be treated better.

In a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, the association said it was sad that in spite of the fact that HND holders perform virtually the same task with first degree holders, officers who possess the HND were not allowed to progress beyond grade level 14.

The open letter read in part, “The present recruitment criteria hardly allow HND holders to compete for vacant positions in the public service.

“Furthermore, HND holders are not appointed to head departments, divisions, sections and units as long as there is a degree holder regardless of grade level and competence.

“This is just a few among the numerous forms of monumental injustice and discrimination coupled with traumatising stagnation which the HND holders face at work places.”

Protem National President of the Association, Mrs. A Ibrahim said, “It was in order to reverse this trend that the Federal Government approved a White Paper at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council held on September 27, 2006.”