Congratulations to all the recent Polytechnic graduates! As you receive your HND certificate, it is important to remember that the real struggle has only just begun. BSc/HND dichotomy! This is a global phenomenon, and Nigeria is no exception. So, what comes next?

When it comes to career options, there are three main paths to consider: getting a job, furthering your education with a 2nd degree (either in Nigeria or abroad), or going fully into entrepreneurship. For those considering the first two options, here are some tips to maximize your chances.

Securing a job with an HND is no easy feat, as you are up against many competitors who possess a degree certificate. With 134 Polytechnics and 174 universities in the country, it is undeniable that university graduates outnumber Polytechnic graduates. For every 10 people seeking employment, 6 are university graduates.
It is no secret that certain industries, such as Oil & Gas and some Financial Institutions etc, do not recruit HND graduates. While many industries may accept you with your HND, the career growth opportunities are limited, as is the case with Banks, Government Parastatals, and Agencies. This is a major limitation for Polytechnic graduates. However, one way to level the playing field is to obtain a professional certification.

Self-development and continuous improvement are key too. Networking is also an incredibly powerful tool for securing a job in Nigeria, and can often lead to a new role with little to no stress. Additionally, advancing your education further is one of the most important investments you can make with your savings. Consider enrolling in an HND conversion program at an accredited university, which typically takes two years or less and can cost up to N800k (maximum).

Upon completion, you will be on par with a university graduate. It is also an avenue to switch to more substantial courses that are not offered in Polytechnics, such as Economics, Law, etc. Please note that enrolling in a PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) is a waste of time and money.

Upon completion of the HND conversion, depending on your interests, you can further your education by enrolling in an MSc or MBA program. MBA programs are generally preferred in the labor market, excluding teaching lines. You can even cap it all off with a PhD (as “omo ogbon”).
For those looking to further their education without a BSc, the United States is the easiest place to go compared to other countries. However, with the help of result evaluation bodies such as WES (which costs an average of $218) and English exam certificates (IELTS or TOEFL) as well as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), you can increase your chances of being admitted and even being granted a scholarship. For the more distinguished (distinction) student, UK schools may still consider your admission application depending on your job experience (how related to MSc course choice) and employer’s preference.
For those looking to go fully into entrepreneurship, you don't need to further your education. However, applying the key knowledge you learned in school to your business can help make it look more organized and pointed compared to your competitors.

ND holders reading this should start preparing to switch to university via Direct Entry (DE), even if it is not a federal university. The main aim is to obtain the BSc and not fall into the less privileged certificate holders. Don’t loose-guard!
After all, school is NEVER a scam!

Thank you for reading!

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