Federal Government Removes HND and University Degrees Disparity for Paramilitary Officers
The Federal Government of Nigeria has removed the ranking and career progression disparity that existed between Higher National Diploma (HND) and University Degree holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service and the Federal Fire Service.
A memo released by the Federal government indicated that the disparity between HND holders and University graduates will no longer exist.
The memo with reference CDCFIB/1001/vol1/110, dated October 16, 2020, was issued to this effect by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Mr. Alhassan Yakmut.
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazu (rtd), a former minister of Interior, who was the Chairman of the board, had approved the regularization of the dichotomy between holders of university degrees and HND in all the security services.
The memo titled: ‘Harmonisation of ranks and salaries in the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services,’ was issued at the end of a meeting of the board held on September 24 and 25.
The memo gave directive to all candidates recruited by the board with HND will be placed as Assistant Superintendent II CONPASS 08 level and can rise to the highest position in their respective service without discriminatory ceiling or hindrance.
It also stipulated that all inspectorate ranks from senior inspector to chief inspector 1 are abolished, while all these officers would be converted to appropriate superintendent ranks
The document read in part: “The board has withdrawn the ranking and career progression disparity between Degree and HND holders.
“Consequently, all candidates recruited by the board with HND will be placed at the Assistant Superintendent II, CONPAS 08 level and can rise to the highest position in their respective Services without discriminatory ceiling or hindrance.
“All Inspectorate ranks from Senior Inspector to Chief Inspector I (T), are abolished and all officers on these ranks will be converted to appropriate Superintendent ranks.”
With this latest development, all ranks in the paramilitary services have been aligned with that of the Nigeria Police, the memo stated, while noting that the new ranking system and badges of rank would be introduced soon.
The memo further stated that in order to maintain the level of seniority of officers and ensure discipline, “individual’s level of conversion and effective date will be worked out by the board and the services will be communicated in due course.”
The board also noted that it was consulting with relevant government agencies on how best to go about the alignment of salaries of personnel and the Nigeria Police structure.
“Henceforth, promotion of officers shall be based strictly on their individual productivity successful attendance of mandatory courses and exams of good annual assessment of their performance,” it added.
Recall that HND Certificate holders always face discrimination, as most corporate organization prefers giving employment to University degree holders.
A group, under the coalition of HND holders, had in the past threaten to embark on industrial action, if the discrimination is not addressed by the government.
