Several universities across Nigeria have started informing students and the public about the suspension of Higher National Diploma (HND) conversion and top-up degree programmes following a directive from the National Universities Commission.
Among the institutions that have announced the move are Kwara State University and Al-Hikmah University.
The development affects candidates who intend to convert their HND certificates into bachelor’s degrees through university-affiliated programmes.
KWASU Announces End of Top-Up Admissions
In a statement issued by its management, Kwara State University, Malete disclosed that its Top-Up/HND Conversion programme would be discontinued beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the institution, the decision was made in compliance with regulations introduced by the National Universities Commission, which oversees university education in Nigeria.
The notice stated:
“This is to inform the public that Kwara State University, Malete, will discontinue its Top Up/HND Conversion programme from the 2025/2026 academic session.”
The university further explained:
“This discontinuation is in compliance with the regulations of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body for all universities in Nigeria.”
The Registrar of KWASU, Kikelomo W. Sallee, noted that the institution remained committed to regulatory compliance and ethical academic standards.
Al-Hikmah University Also Suspends Programme
Al-Hikmah University also confirmed the immediate suspension of admissions into its top-up degree programmes.
The university stated that all future undergraduate admissions would now be processed strictly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
According to the institution:
“The University Management hereby notifies the public that all admissions into Top-Up Degree Programmes have been discontinued with immediate effect. This complies with the National Universities Commission (NUC) directives.”
The university added:
“Admission into the Undergraduate programmes of the University is strictly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).”
The management also warned members of the public against dealing with individuals or groups claiming to offer admission outside approved procedures.
Major Shift for Polytechnic Graduates
The suspension marks a significant policy change for universities that previously operated conversion programmes for HND holders seeking university degrees.
Over the years, HND conversion and top-up programmes became popular among polytechnic graduates looking to improve their qualifications, career opportunities and academic prospects.
The programmes provided an alternative route for HND holders who wanted to obtain bachelor’s degrees without starting a full undergraduate programme from the beginning.
Uncertainty Over Current Students
While universities have stopped accepting new students into the programmes, uncertainty still surrounds the fate of students currently enrolled in ongoing conversion studies.
KWASU stated that the National Universities Commission would later provide further directives concerning affected students, although no timeline has been announced.
As of the time of filing this report, the NUC has not released a detailed public explanation regarding the reasons behind the directive suspending the programmes nationwide.
