NUC Cancels Top-Up Degree Programme Nationwide, Disowns HND-to-Degree Conversion Scheme in Nigeria

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially disowned and rejected the proposed top-up degree programme for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, describing it as unapproved and misleading to the public.

According to official statements from the commission, the controversial one-year conversion programme—reportedly designed to allow HND holders to obtain a Bachelor’s degree through partner institutions—has no recognition from the NUC and does not align with Nigeria’s existing university regulations.

The commission stressed that there is currently no legal framework abolishing the distinction between HND and university degrees in Nigeria, adding that the longstanding academic structure between universities and polytechnics remains in place.

NUC further clarified that it is not involved in any arrangement that supports or validates a top-up degree scheme, warning institutions and students to disregard any claims suggesting otherwise. The agency described such programmes as misleading and outside its regulatory approval.