Poly graduates angry with FG

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI – The leadership of National Association of Technologists in Engineering, NATE, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the white paper on the Ernest Shonekan panel on the disparity between Higher National Diploma, HND, and university degree.
The National President of NATE, Dr. Leo Okereke, made the appeal weekend while addressing a press conference in Owerri.
“Mr. President Sir, 11 years is more than enough time for a circular to be issued in the civil service.
“We urge you to demonstrate the political will to release this long awaited circular,” Dr. Okereke pleaded.
NATE leadership expressed serious worry that products of polytechnics were known not to rise beyond level 14 in the civil service, adding that many of them had been frustrated out of service when their juniors were promoted above them on account of their HND qualification.
Dr. Okereke recalled with grief that instead of implementing the government white paper, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, who was head of service at the time, convened another meeting at the instance of National Council on Establishment.
“A communiqué was issued at the end of the parley that the Office of the Head of Service should proceed to issue implementation circular without further delay. This is where the matter has been since 2009,” Okereke lamented.
What is your opinion on the disparity between Poly and university graduates. Should the practice be stopped as canvassed by NATE?
Do have your say.