Do you want to know HND meaning in education and polytechnic, level, rank, and conversion to BSc in Nigeria?
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HND Meaning
HND stands for Higher National Diploma.
It is a vocationally focused qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
HNDs are offered in a variety of subjects, including engineering, business, and computing.
HNDs are typically got by studying at a polytechnic or technical college.
The duration of an HND course varies depending on the subject and the institution, but it typically takes two years to complete.
HNDs are a valuable qualification for those who want to enter the workforce or pursue further education.
They provide graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of industries.
In Nigeria, HNDs are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The NBTE sets the standards for HND courses and ensuring that they are of a high quality.
If you are interested in pursuing an HND, research the different institutions that offer HND courses in your chosen subject.
Make sure that the institution is accredited by the NBTE.
Here are some benefits of obtaining HND:
- You will gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a variety of industries.
- You will be eligible for a variety of jobs, including those that require a bachelor’s degree.
- You will pursue further education, such as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.
- You will earn a higher salary.
The Next Degree After HND
There are a few different options for what to do after completing HND.
One option is to top up your HND to a full Bachelor’s degree.
This can be done by enrolling in a top-up degree program at a university.
Top-up degree programs typically take one or two years to complete.
Another option is to pursue a Master’s degree.
This can be done by enrolling in a Master’s degree program at a university.
Master’s degree programs typically take one or two years to complete.
You could also choose to enter the workforce with your HND.
Many employers will hire HND graduates, and you may find a job that offers opportunities for further training and development.
HND Conversion to BSc
HND conversion to BSc is converting an HND qualification to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.
This can be done by enrolling in a top-up degree program at a university.
Top-up degree programs typically take one or two years to complete.
The academic program is usually a two-semester course that will drill candidates in line with their previously held certificates.
The course, usually, will be in line with or the same as your former course.
After completing this course, you now have two qualifications: your former HND certificate (under the previous polytechnic) and the new BSc certificate under the name of the new university.
The requirements for HND conversion to BSc vary from university to university.
Most universities require that you have a minimum of a second class lower division HND in the relevant subject.
You may also be required to take some additional courses before you can be admitted to the top-up degree program.
The HND to B.Sc. conversion program has helped HND graduates upgrade their certificates to BSc.
Any HND holder should consider the course.
It will be very ideal for these graduates:
- HND holders with lower credit or pass (all concerned universities accepting lower grades).
- Graduates (BSC/HND) who want to change to another related or different course.
- Graduates of polytechnics are not trained to be teachers. They can use this program to change to an education line.
- University graduates (BSC) with a third (3rd) class or pass can consider the course to chase a better grade.
Here is the list of universities in Nigeria running top-up degrees:
- Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State
- Alhikmah University Ilorin, Kwara State
- Babcock University, Ilisha-Remo Ogun State
- Bells University Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Best Solution Polytechnic Akure, Ondo State (Degree Programme)
- Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State (EKSU)
- Federal Polytechnic Ado, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State (Degree Programme)
- Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State (Degree Programme)
- Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State (Degree Programme)
- Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE)
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
- Kwara State University, Ilorin Kwara State (KWASU)
- Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos (Degree Programme)
- Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos (LASU)
- Osun State Polytechnic Ire, Osun State (Degree Programme)
- Southwestern University Nigeria Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja
- The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (Degree Programme)
- University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) (Degree Programme)
Here is the list of foreign universities running top-up degrees:
- HEGT University, Cotonou Benin Republic
- Sheffield Hallam University, UK
- Birmingham City University
- Coventry University Group
Here is the list of online top-up degree HND holders
- Arden University
- IICSE University
- Stafford Global Top-Up Degree
- The University of Derby
- UNICAF (University of South Wales) BA (Hons) – Business Studies
- The University of Hertfordshire UH
After your top-up degree, you won’t be allowed to go to NYSC.
Policies may change with time.
But right now, no such arrangements exist between NYSC and the schools.
You can work when running a top-up degree.
The programme is usually on a part-time basis (weekends) and for one, two, or three years.
HND Level in Nigeria
In Nigeria, HNDs are considered being at Level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The NQF is a system for classifying qualifications in Nigeria.
It is used to measure the level of knowledge, skills, and abilities that a qualification provides.
HND is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
This means that if you have an HND, you can top-up your qualification to a full bachelor’s degree by completing two more years of study.
Difference between HND and BSc
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between HND and BSc:
| Characteristic | HND | BSc |
| Level of Study | Equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree | Equivalent to the full three years of a bachelor’s degree |
| Curriculum | Focuses on practical skills and knowledge | Focuses on a more theoretical approach to learning |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the NBTE | Accredited by the NUC |
| Employment Opportunities | Eligible for jobs that require a bachelor’s degree | Eligible for more senior positions or jobs that require more specialized knowledge |
| Salary | Typically earning a lower salary | Typically earning a higher salary |
List of Universities That Accept HND for Masters
Here is the list of universities that accept HND for masters in Nigeria:
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
- Akwa Ibom State University
- Al-Hikmah University
- Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma
- Babcock University
- Benue State University
- Bowen University
- Caleb University
- Cross River State University of Science and Technology
- Delta State University
- Ebonyi State University
- Edo University, Iyamo
- Ekiti State University
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Federal University, Gushua
- Federal University, Lokoja
- Federal University, Otueke
- Gombe State University
- Igbenedion University
- Imo State University
- Kaduna State University
- Kogi State University
- Kwara State University, Malete
- Lagos State University
- Mountain Top University
- Niger Delta University
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Osun State University
- Ritman University
- Rivers State University of Science and Technology
- Summit University
- Taraba State University
- Taraba State University
- The University of Calabar
- The University of Jos
- The University of Maiduguri
- The University of Uyo
- Usmanu Danfodio University
The Rank of HND Holder in Nigerian Army
The specific rank that an HND holder attains in the Nigerian Army will depend on the applicant’s academic qualifications, the specific job they are applying for, their individual performance, and contributions to the service.
HND holders are typically commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
To be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, applicants must have a minimum of a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized polytechnic or university.
They must also meet the following requirements:
- Be a Nigerian citizen.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 26 years old.
- Be physically and mentally fit.
- Have a minimum of five credits in SSCE or equivalent.
- Have a minimum of two passes in the relevant subjects in the NECO/GCE/NABTEB examinations.
- Pass the Nigerian Army Selection Board (NASB) interview.
Once commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, HND holders in the Nigerian Army can progress through the ranks to become Captains, Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels, Brigadier Generals, Major General, and Lieutenant Generals.
HND Rank in Custom
The rank of an HND holder in the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) depends on the applicant’s academic qualifications, the specific job they are applying for, and their years of experience.
HND holders are typically commissioned as Assistant Superintendent of Customs (II) (ASC II).
To be commissioned as an ASC II in the NCS, applicants must have a minimum of a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognized polytechnic or university and other requirements.
Once commissioned as an ASC II, HND holders in the NCS can progress through the ranks to become Assistant Superintendent of Customs (I) (ASC I), Superintendent of Customs (SC), Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC), Assistant Comptroller of Customs (ACC), Comptroller of Customs (CC), Deputy Controller General of Customs (DCCG), and Controller General of Customs (CGC).
HND Salary in Civil Service
The salary of an HND holder in the civil service in Nigeria depends on the applicant’s academic qualifications, the specific job they are applying for, and their years of experience.
HND holders in the civil service typically start at a salary grade of level 7.
The salary for Level 7 ranges from ₦34,288 to ₦50,000 per month.
With experience, HND holders in the civil service can progress to higher salary grades.
For example, an HND holder with 10 years of experience may be promoted to a salary grade of Level 12, which ranges from ₦104,337 to ₦117,121 per month.
The salary of an HND holder in the civil service is also affected by their location.
HND holders who work in Lagos or Abuja typically earn a higher salary than those who work in other parts of Nigeria.
Here is a table that shows the salary range for HND holders in the civil service in Nigeria:
| Salary Grade | Salary Range (per month) |
| Level 7 | ₦34,288 to ₦50,000 |
| Level 8 | ₦50,000 to ₦65,712 |
| Level 9 | ₦65,712 to ₦81,424 |
| Level 10 | ₦81,424 to ₦97,136 |
| Level 11 | ₦97,136 to ₦112,848 |
| Level 12 | ₦112,848 to ₦128,560 |
Banks Salary for HND Holders
The salary of an HND holder in a bank in Nigeria depends on the applicant’s academic qualifications, the specific job they are applying for, and their years of experience.
HND holders in banks typically start at a salary of ₦60,000 to ₦150,000 per month.
With experience, HND holders in banks can progress to higher salary levels.
