A young Nigerian lady has revealed how she successfully converted her Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree after completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. She shared her experience on TikTok, detailing the challenges she faced and the requirements needed for the conversion.
Why She Converted Her HND to BSc
The lady, identified as @tenithecreator on TikTok, explained that after her NYSC in 2025, she attempted to apply for a master's degree programme. However, several universities rejected her application, stating that they do not accept HND certificates for direct master's admission. They informed her that she would need to first obtain a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or enrol in a BSc programme. She said: "As much as you don't like to hear it, that HND certificate you have is very useless. After my NYSC in 2025, I decided it was time to apply for a master's degree. I made research on schools that offer my course of study and I tried to apply to every one of them, but guess what, they all gave me the same response. We don't accept HND certificates. We'll only accept it if you add a PGD to it or you'll come to our school and do a BSc."
The HND to BSc Top-Up Programme
Refusing to settle for a PGD, she researched alternatives and discovered an HND to BSc top-up programme. This programme allows HND holders to upgrade their qualification to a BSc degree. She explained: "I had to find another alternative. I did what is called an HND to BSc top-up programme, and that means not only will I hold an HND certificate, I will also be a BSc holder. This does not mean your HND certificate has been nullified, but it will be as though you're being sent back to 300 level or HND One, and that means you'll do exams, tests, assignments, everything, including projects." She noted that after one year of study, she completed her final exam and now holds both an HND and a BSc certificate.
Four Requirements for the Top-Up Programme
In her video, she listed four key requirements for applying to the HND to BSc top-up programme:
- You must be an HND certificate holder.
- You must have completed your NYSC programme.
- The course you studied during your HND matters.
- The requirements vary by the school you apply to. She attended a private school where the programme lasted one year.
Public Reactions to the Conversion
The video sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Some users expressed interest in the programme, while others questioned its validity. One user, Dave, commented: "Na to just go do direct entry after my nd2 because omo mhen." Kelly noted: "I’m done with HND and I googled school to go for my top-up and I’m seeing NBTE 1year without going for NYSC." IFEOLUWA asked: "I thought they say no top up again??" ENIOLA shared: "I graduated last week but na 2 years I use for leadcity…started from 300." ghostedbetrayed stressed: "Madam HND is way more better than bsc if you coming to Canada on PR. Do HND give more points than BSC." Eid added: "I used my HND to study master in the UK, because it doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for another." Nani shot it shared: "Come to Lasu we call it HND conversion, just 1 year program." Pelly accessories said: "Open University is better than polytechnic u will get ur Bsc straight up." JOAN✨ noted: "I know someone who did masters with their hand certificate is very wrong to say that HND certificate is useless." She’s__fife❤️ said: "Top up have been cancelled nah ? that is why I’m starting all over again." NIKEBATA noted: "Hnd isn’t wasted my friend,I just finished my mba programme with it."
Broader Context: HND Holders in the UK
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian lady with an HND secured a corporate job in the United Kingdom just two months after relocating. She initially worked in warehouses before attending three interviews, receiving multiple job offers, and eventually accepting a role in the UK's housing and property management sector.
