BSC, HND, OND, NCE, A'level: What are the Differences? - SCHOOLCONTENTS.info

BSC, HND, OND, NCE, A'level: What are the Differences?

As a beginner or fresh admission seeker, you may want to know the differences between these terms or acronyms in the education scene in Nigeria.

It’s important to know these, really not only for conversation reasons but also for you to get the real meaning of each, what they stand for, what forms their admissions take, the statutory purpose behind each, and most importantly for you to know - which one to go for.

BSC, BSC (Ed), BSN, B. TECH, MBBS, LLB, B. AGRIC, B. Pharm 

In full, BSC is a Bachelor of Science. This term is used for a degree or university award. You earn BSC after completing a 4-year or 5-year course in any university. It is typically awarded in fields of study such as mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Moreso, terms like B. Tech, and BSC (Ed) are equivalent to BSC. They are also degree awards – just a difference in courses or disciplines. While B. Tech is for graduates of engineering and technology-related courses, BSC (ED) or B. Ed. is for graduates of education courses.

Graduates of Law are awarded LLB and Medical graduates MBBS. Others include BSN for nursing graduates and recently also ND/HND nursing, B. Pharm for graduates of Pharmacy, B. Agric for Agriculture, and related courses.

Gaining Admission to Nigerian Universities to be Awarded BSC, BSC (Ed), BSN, B. Tech, MBBS, LLB, B. Agric, B. Pharm

Generally, to gain admission into any Nigerian university, you’ll have to make your way through JAMB UTME which is a major requirement to gain admission to any course of your interest together with the right SSCE grades.

After passing UTME, you may be subjected to Post-UTME or admission screening (depending on the methods being adopted by the proposed university) before you can be given admission by JAMB and the proposed institution.

Your years or duration of studies depends on the prospective award. The majority of degree courses last 4 years, Agric courses - 5 years, Nursing  - 5 years, Medicine – 6 years, education – 4 years, Law – 6 years (with one year of Law school), Pharmacy – 6 years (with one-year internship), Engineering and Technology – 5 years and so on.

Note that, gaining admission to any of the courses listed and more, may also be preceded with a year pre-degree course or sometimes A’level Advanced courses like IJMB, JUPEB, or Cambridge A’level.

After completing these pre-versity programmes, you can then take UTME (if pre-degree) or Direct Entry form (if IJMB, JUPEB, or Cambridge A’level). Through this, you are offered admission to any university course of your choice.

It's also important to know that, programmes such as daily part-time, weekend part-time, distance learning, and sandwich can help cross the hurdle of seeking admission through JAMB UTME. However, applicable courses are limited for this means.

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NCE – Nigeria Certificate in Education 

NCE is the award given to graduates of colleges of education. Generally, after a three-year course at a college, its graduate is awarded NCE. A graduate of college can end up spending 4 years on his course if he has undertaken a year of pre-NCE course before 100-level admission. 


Gaining Admission To Nigerian Colleges of Education To Be Awarded NCE

Admission procedures to colleges are the same as for universities. You write your UTME and take part in the post-UTME or admission screening. Then, you’re offered admission for your proposed course by JAMB and the college. You can also be admitted through a sandwich programme without sitting for JAMB.


Using NCE To Proceed to University To Be Awarded B. Ed, B. Edu, BSc (Ed) 

After completing your NCE, you may continue to a University of your choice through the JAMB Direct Entry admission exercise. Here, you obtain DE form and choose one or two universities you’re interested in. If you meet up with the required grade from your NCE programme, JAMB, and the university will offer you admission.


Meanwhile, as an NCE holder, you don’t just choose any course during your DE registration, it's recommended that you choose the one(s) that align with your completed NCE course. For example, if you studied Biology/Chemistry in college, even though you can change the discipline by changing course, you may only be able to process admission into more related courses such as Education Biology or Chemistry Education. Completing this will award you BSC (Ed), B.Ed, or BEd.

A few schools may also allow you to do pure courses like Chemistry or Biology which will award you BSC at completion. Consider checking the JAMB brochure for the specific requirements of universities. Generally, it will be easier to gain admission to only education courses.


OND Programmes - Ordinary National Diploma

What is the meaning of OND? OND or ND/NID is a polytechnic or Innovation Enterprise Institution (IEI) award for a two-year course. This stands for Ordinary National Diploma, which is also a vocational undergraduate qualification that takes two years to complete. It is awarded in fields such as engineering, business, and computing. 

Holders of ND can be employed or be offered admission into Higher National Diploma (HND) and where through Direct entry admission, be admitted to the 200-level course in a university.

Gaining Admission to Polytechnic To Be Awarded ND 

To gain admission for the ND award, you must obtain the JAMB UTME form and take part in the post-UTME or admission screening exercise of the Polytechnic or  Innovation Enterprise Institution (IEI). If you pass, you’ll be offered admission to ND 1 of your proposed course by JAMB and the polytechnic.

Another means to gain ND admission is through school-administered daily part-time programmes. This course is usually run full-time, perhaps, with a cost difference. Some may also opt-in for the 3-year programme called a regular part-time course.

When you complete your 2-year or 3-year ND course at any polytechnic or IEI, you’re awarded ND (NID) respectively. This serves as the prerequisite to further your education at a university through JAMB direct entry admission (as earlier explained).

You can also further to another level at your polytechnic or any other. This level is called HND. HND is also run for two years as well.

Whereas, it’s being proposed that Nigerian polytechnics will henceforth be limited to the award of ND only. Hence, candidates who wish to study further can obtain the JAMB Direct Entry form and cross to universities – where they'll continue from the 200 level.


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HND - Higher National Diploma 

HND stands for Higher National Diploma, which is a vocational undergraduate qualification that takes two to three years to complete. It is awarded in fields such as engineering, business, and computing. In Nigeria, HND holders can either proceed for a postgraduate degree or continue with their professional careers. In between the ND and HND, there is always the need for a 1- or 2-year Industrial Training (IT), which is a prerequisite for Higher National Diploma admission.

Note that the HND course doesn’t require writing UTME again or obtaining the JAMB direct entry form. Applicants are only to take part in the school’s organized entrance test and interview or screening.

This programme is about to be scraped (if not by the time you’re reading this post). Yet, the award will be forever recognized by the government and private establishments that may need the services of an HND holder.

A'level Courses - IJMB, JUPEB, NABTEB A'level, and Cambridge Advanced

Several posts had been written on this category of qualifications. To learn more about each, consider reading the post, "IJMB, JUPEB and Cambridge A’level: Opportunity to Gain Admission directly to 200 Level".

In brief here, in Nigeria, there are several types of A'level courses that students can take to gain admission into universities. These include:

  1. IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board): This is an A'level program that is recognized by many Nigerian universities. It is a one-year program that allows students to study three subjects related to their chosen degree program through Direct Entry
  2. JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board): This is another A'level program that is recognized by many Nigerian universities. It is also a one-year program that allows students to study three subjects related to their chosen degree program through Direct Entry.
  3. NABTEB A'level (National Business and Technical Examinations Board): This is an A'level program that focuses on technical and vocational education. It is a two-year program that allows students to study subjects such as electrical installation, building construction, and automobile mechanics. This is no longer accepted for Direct Entry.
  4. Cambridge Advanced: This is an A'level program that is offered by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. It is a two-year program that allows students to study a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

The summary of this is that completing any of the above equates you with ND or NCE. Hence, you're qualified to obtain the JAMB Direct Entry form in order to proceed to any of the universities accepting them.

Conclusion

Nigerian education is rich in awards like any other country. There are more postgraduate and professional awards too – including MSC, MA, ICAN, NIM, etc.

Going to school requires you to know the end from the very beginning and here you have it all.

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104 comments:

  1. Is national diploma holder a graduate?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. plz explain to me if u ve NCE do you till need B.Ed to become a teacher or u don't need it?

      Delete
    2. With NCE, you're already a teacher. If you want to be more qualified for teaching, you can add B.ed. Read the post below for further understanding.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/06/after-completing-nce-what-next-nce.html

      Delete
  2. Good evening.
    Why does LAUTECH awards B.sc for ODL students instead of B.Tech

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It may not be obvious but courses that are not technology relayed should be BSC instead of BTECH. See the

      Delete
  3. Thanks very much for this information in fact have know a lot of things that I have not know

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure. Always share my posts with your friends and families.

      Delete
  4. Hello sir, I just finished writing my jamb and will be buying a screening form pls I want to ask am interested in education will I go to college or university

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you prefer degree and you have the required UTME score, you can consider university. If otherwise, you can have NCE at a college of education.

      Delete
  5. Sir, I'm to buy form for laspotech because I chosed it In my jamb and during my jamb registration I registered with awaiting results my question now is should I buy the form or wait till I see my results because waec exams is still ongoing? Deadline for the form is today what should I do?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sir pls will there be second batch for laspotech screening

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is no way to tell now. Kindly follow updates on the school portal for possible extension or second batch screening updates.

      Delete
  7. Sir which universities accept direct entry from slt to medicine and surgery

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can I enter for medicine direct entry with a bsc in biochemistry with no a Levels?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it is possible. The post through the link below will be of help.
      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/02/can-i-study-medicine-with-bsc-through-de.html

      Delete
  9. Sir can I change from pharmacology to pharmacy in 100 level with Direct Entry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes.

      UNIPORT accepts Three (3) A/level passes in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics including UTME entry requirements. B.Sc, not lower than Second Class Lower in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Physics, Pharmacology including UTME entry requirements.

      Delete
  10. I have ND (engineering) and I want to teach maths in a secondary school. will I be eligible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, you're not eligible. You need NCE, B.EDU or PGDE to be eligible to to teach by law. Otherwise, anybody can teach.

      Delete
  11. okay, can I get NCE or PGDE with my OND

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. You can obtain a DE form and proceed to a university where you will spend another 3 years (if admitted). After that, you can a teacher. The PGDE is for BSC holders who are not from faculty of Education or the HND holders. Read more through the links below.
      1. https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/01/direct-entry-form-de-20192020.html
      2. https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/05/nti-kaduna-admissions-pgde-bsc-ed-nce.html

      Delete
    2. Sir, please do you mean that a ND holder still need to pick the NCE form?

      Delete
  12. can I use my OND(engineering) to do maths through this DE? and will I be awarded after completion?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you can. You will be awarded BSC in Mathematics.

      Delete
  13. this degree is it BSc or BSc Edu? and will I be able to teach with it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can only teach (officially) with BSC EDU (B.ED/B.EDU), NCE or PGDE. Other qualifications such as BSC, ND, HND etc can teach but not as a a qualified, recognized and officially eligible teachers.

      Delete
  14. so if I want to become a recognized teaher, I should go for BSc Edu(mathematics)?

    ReplyDelete
  15. assuming I happen to be employed at a private school with my ND, is it possible to go for the BSc Edu while teaching? if possible, How?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you can. You can obtain a university part-time degree form, a degree distance learning form or Nigeria Institute of Teachers (distance learning) or National Open University form. See more through the links below.
      1. https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/05/nti-kaduna-admissions-pgde-bsc-ed-nce.html
      2. https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/08/noun-admissions-answers-to-series-of.html
      3. https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/04/part-time-degree-hnd-nd-or-nce.html

      Delete
  16. Good morning sir, I study Educational psychology, Guidance and Counseling in Uniport, Second Class lower. and I was awarded BSC.(Ed), and I want to teach, though d school I summited my CV is a big international school, people are telling me to do NCE,that most of the teachers there are NCE holders, but d head of school never say anything he only told that they will call me when there is vacancy. PLS sir what did U think I should do. Or am I qualified to teach?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The issue may be because you're not a specific subject teacher. It's also possible that the school was only interested in NCE holders to minimize their spending. However, you're qualified to teach. Hence, try elsewhere.

      Delete
  17. If I'm studying electrical engineering in a polytechnic, how do I make sure I get an HND

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If currently you're at National Diploma level (ND), you can obtain the HND form after completing the ND.

      Delete
  18. Pls sir I have OLevel I want to get OND what are the step to follow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Follow the guide in the post below.
      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2018/12/sure-admission-5-tested-and-trusted.html

      Delete
  19. Good day sir, pls am doing an nce program on bio/chem in college hoping to use it for direct entry pharmacy..pls what are the chances this will work out..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No university, according to the JAMB brochure, accepts NCE for Pharmacy. Read more through the link below
      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/09/26-universities-offering-pharmacy-in.html

      Delete
  20. Good day sir, I studied National diploma in community health from college of health technology. And wish to do direct entry to study nursing or pharmacy in university , is that possible sir?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think so.

      Check the link below for DE requirements for Nursing.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/12/direct-entry-requirements-for.html

      Delete
    2. But sir,pls which other courses can I studied with my ND result,, because I wish to further my studies in federal university..

      Delete
    3. There is a need for you to study the JAMB brochure for comprehensive guide.

      Delete
  21. If someone crossed from polytechnic ND to University for B.sc,is such a person a university graduate?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Am not yet in the university but I got admission last yr,but I could not go for it. But my problem. Now is that I wanted to study therater art but I got D7 in literature, and I really want to study it or law so whats ur advice for me

    ReplyDelete
  23. Good day
    Please will DE students be required to write post UTME???

    ReplyDelete
  24. Good day Sir, I have an NCE in Information Technology Management and currently enrolled into an OND to study Health Information. After my study. Will I be eligible for an HND. Or will I require further University study before a Masters Program in the future?

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Which polytechnic can I gain OND?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Without jamb?

      Delete
    2. If you want without JAMB, read the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/03/list-of-polytechnics-that-offer.html

      Delete
  26. Can someone with NCE, make a first class..
    If he/she applies for a degree program

    ReplyDelete
  27. Please I’d it possible to go for service after running a degree program in ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION which is affiliated to OAU ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you will go to NYSC after Adeyemi's Degree. Read the post below for more clarification on this.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/09/can-i-serve-at-nysc-if-i-attend.html

      Delete
    2. Can A level nabteb be use for direct HND

      Delete
    3. I don't have this update. However, the best way to get answer to your question is to check the HND adverts of any of your interested polytechnics and see if they accept it as a requirement.

      Delete
  28. I did OND for 2years in school of nursing. Can I use my OND degree to apply for direct entry in the university?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Good day sir I wrote waec but I want to study electrical engineering so am thinking of pti or uniben am really confused ???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The post below may be of help.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/06/universities-vs-polytechnics-which-one.html

      Delete
  30. Hello pls is associate degree equivalent to national diploma?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. An Associate's Degree is a 2 year degree. Depending where it's been used, it should be equivalent to ND.

      Delete
  31. Hello sir I have register for kwarapoly pt and college of education and both offer me admission same time which one should I choose

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The post below compressively give you my best answer.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/06/ond-vs-nce-which-one-is-higher-which.html

      Delete
  32. Sir I'm going for political science should I go to college or university
    And what subject should I use

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it's political science, you can only find that in universities.

      Delete
    2. Sir, I have my ND but I just picked the NCE form today

      Delete
  33. Am plss I am an ND holder in computer engineering can I get HND in computer science

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that should work out. The two courses truly align. Though most polytechnics my not allow changing courses why going for HND. Read the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2020/10/is-it-possible-to-change-course-going.html

      Delete
  34. Pls sir am in 100 level mass comm.after my 4 yrs what next or which step should I take next

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read the post below.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2019/04/after-nysc-what-next-msc-job-search-or.html

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/04/after-completing-hnd-what-next.html

      Delete
    2. Hello sir please I want to go to college of education after that what step will I take so I can do nysc

      Delete
  35. Can an ND holder in public administration further with direct entry into University to study education?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sir please, I am a graduate of medical laboratory technician, which certificate is it eqvilent to and which University will i go for B,sc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read the post below for better exposure.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2022/05/can-chew-health-assistant-do-direct.html

      Delete
  37. Thanks for this information. Can a NABTEB A'Level holder apply for a job which has its qualification criteria as "diploma"?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Sir, I study Public Administration in my ND and also I am running an HND Program at hand, sir please after my HND program what next can I applied for and what course can I study along side.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The post below may guide you.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/04/after-completing-hnd-what-next.html

      Delete
  39. Good morning sir, pls as a Pharmacy Technician which is set to be OND how can I further to higher level.thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After completing your OND, you can take a few other things into consideration. Kindly read the post below for what next after National Diploma.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2021/05/after-national-diploma-ond-what-next.html

      Delete
  40. Sir Ive writen jamb and I want to study petroleum engineering in PTI bit the form is not yet out , which certificate do I need now is it ND or HND

    ReplyDelete
  41. As an ND holder in CHEW will i be admitted into university to study nursing? if not what are the possible courses?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try to read the post below. It will open your mind and eyes to what you don't know yet.

      https://www.schoolcontents.info/2022/05/can-chew-health-assistant-do-direct.html

      Delete
  42. Pls, I'm a HND holder already teaching in school but I was advised by my proprietor to go any course in Education in order to be more qualified to teach in any class. Sir, how do I go about this pls advise. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  43. Can I use my NABTEB A LEVEL MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR DIRECT ENTRY COMPUTER SCIENCE

    ReplyDelete
  44. Greetings sir. Kin someone who got pass in English language, Geography and animal husbandry still gain an admission into a higher institution??

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks so much for this knowledge I really have enough here thank you

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sir.. am going for education and political science which is b.sc Ed in Ignatius ajuru university can I use it in other government activity about from teaching

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is the same question I wanted to ask

      Delete
  47. Pls can I study music as a science student

    ReplyDelete
  48. Can I get a job with OND

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have B.sc (Ed) in chemistry what masters programs can I major in

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am studying statistics in kwara state polytechnic nd i wish to hv BSc in d course
    Wat ar my requirements to gain admission into a university

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just completed my NCE program in a college of education and I wish to attend a university for my post NCE, please choose the best university for me to do my post NCE.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I have HND in chemistry/biochemistry. Please can I apply for MBBS in unimaid or unijos and would be considered?

    ReplyDelete

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