The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to abolish the dichotomy between University graduates and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders from polytechnics in the country.

The  bill which was read for the third time on Wednesday was presented by Ahmad Kaita, chairman of the committee on tertiary institutions. His report and six clauses were voted on by the senators.

While presenting his report, Kaita said the legislation when assented to and passed will give polytechnic graduates confidence and impact on the country’s economy positively.

After the clauses of the bill were approved by the legislators in the “committee of the whole”, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said polytechnic graduates will be encouraged by this action.

“Congratulations to the senate. This particular issue has been on the front burner for a long time. I recall that in the house between 2003 and 2007, this was one bill that was so important and it is a way of encouraging our polytechnic graduates.

“This should not take away the kind of training they give but should be a motivation for our polytechnic graduates”, Lawan said.