The Senate has passed a bill prohibiting employers of labour from discriminating between university degree holders and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate holders.
This was sequel to the adoption of a report by the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters and Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND at plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the report, Committee Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau (APC-Kano), said the bill would help free HND holders from stagnation in public and private sectors and ensure balanced treatment for them with their university counterparts.
He said an end to the existing dichotomy between HND holders and university graduates would ensure provision of the manpower needs of the country, ensure social justice and enhance corporate governance.
According to him, the bill will encourage patriotic contributions among HND employees in public and private sectors.
President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said the passage of the bill would motivate polytechnic graduates in both private and public sectors for better productivity.
He urged public and private sector operators to ensure the implementation of the bill when signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This particular issue has been in the front burner for a long time. I recall that in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, this was one bill that was so important, and is one way of encouraging our polytechnic graduates.
“That should not take away from the kind of training they receive but, in fact, it is supposed to be a motivation for our polytechnic graduates.
“I pray that the Federal Government and all those in government agencies and the private sector would start to implement this by the time the President assented to the bill,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Senate, seeking extension of retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years.
Lawan read the letter on the floor of the senate at Wednesday’s plenary.
Lawan explained that the bill would harmonised the retirement age for teachers in Nigeria.
According to him, the move to increase the retirement age and service years for teachers is in pursuant to section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Transmission of the harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration.
“Pursuant to section 58 (2 ) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith the harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 for consideration by the Senate.
“The harmonised retirement age for teachers in Nigeria Bill 2021 seeks to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years.
“While appreciating your usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration,” Buhari said.
Lawan also during the plenary, referred Buhari’s request for confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to Senate Committees on Defence and Army.
The Defence Committee, led by Wamakko, was mandated to lead the screening for the newly appointed COAS.
