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NSCDC CG in trouble for failing to comply with directive on abolition of HND, B.Sc dichotomy, ordered to promote affected officers, pay arrears
The failure of the management of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to comply with the Board and Ministry’s approval on the abolition of the HND and B.Sc. dichotomy is at the front burner of issues being investigated by the House of Representatives.
The House has therefore mandated its Committees on Public Service Matters and Interior to investigate the Commandant General of NSCDC and also directed him to promote all qualified personnel and pay the arrears of emoluments they might have lost as a result of the failure of the NSCDC to promote them as at when due.
The House urged the Head of Service to comply with all existing circulars abrogating the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc. in the Civil Service.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Investigate the Career Stagnation caused by Discrimination between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor Degree holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps moved by Hon. Ime Bassey Okon at plenary yesterday.
Okon noted that the persistent discrimination between Polytechnics and University certificate holders in civil service with regards to employment and promotion, with Higher National Diploma Holders (HND) limited to Salary Grade 14 and Degree Holders reaching Grade 17 before retirement from service, despite government policies to reverse the practice.
Adding that in terms of academic discipline, the HND holders outperform B.Sc. holders in practical aspects, as 70 per cent of learning in Polytechnics is practical, aiming to equip graduates with technical knowledge for self reliance.
He stressed that in developed nations, HND and Degree holders are employed at the same grade level, prioritizing competence, cognate experience, and graduate offerings, unlike Nigeria’s emphasis on status and paper qualifications.
“The United Kingdom Polytechnics system has transitioned into Universities or Degree awarding institutions, but the Nigerian education system still hinders the advancement and self reliance of polytechnic education.”
“The National Assembly recently passed a bill to eliminate the discrimination and disparities between the two certificates, the legislation sought to resolve the dichotomy controversy and promote Nigeria’s technological advancement by encouraging many qualified students to pursue polytechnics and technology based studies.”
“In 2006, President Obasanjo reversed a discriminatory policy limiting HND holders from rising above grade 14 in public service, directing the former Chief of Staff and Head of Service to prepare a position paper. Also, under President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, the Federal Executive Council removed the salary ceiling for HND holders. President Muhammadu Buhari criticised the disparity, leading to a circular in 2018 stating that HND holders will enjoy salary grade level 08 in Civil Service.”
He further noted that the Civil Defence Fire, Immigration and Prisons Board approved the abolition of the bachelor’s degree and HND distinction in Ministry of Interior services, with Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau directing the implementation and rank harmonisation.
And that despite policy directives and approvals, discrimination against HND holders persists in private and public agencies, particularly in paramilitary agencies, where the dichotomy was abolished in 2016 due to no sanctions for non compliance.
Okon raised a concern that the NSCDC has experienced career stagnation among 2012 HND intakes, with B.Sc. colleagues being promoted multiple times to Superintendent of Corps, a situation that goes against Civil Service regulations and creates bad blood among the rank and file of the Corps.
“Junior officers with School Certificates in 2012 who later earned a part time B.Sc. degree were promoted to senior ranks and Assistant Superintendent of Corps, leading to a decrease in morale and motivation among their HND counterparts. Also from 2012 to 2022, NSCDC recruits with HND failed to be promoted four times, while their B.Sc. counterparts were promoted twice. This discrimination led to HND intakes resolving not to sit for future promotions, as it has become futile.”
However, he said the discrimination against polytechnic graduates hinders technology driven development, leading to poor living standards, negative balance sheets, and low per capita income.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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