Nigeria Unveils New HND Model to Train Next-Gen Health Professionals

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education, has announced the unbundling of the existing Higher National Diploma (HND) structure into 14 specialised, skills-based programmes in environmental and public health across polytechnics and Colleges of Health Sciences nationwide.

The reform marks a major shift from the previous structure, where the HND programme was built on four National Diploma (ND) courses, to a more diversified system designed to deepen specialisation and enhance practical competencies.

In a statement issued by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of EHCON, the council described the development as a landmark achievement following three years of intensive technical reviews, stakeholder consultations, and curriculum redesign.

The council noted that the new programmes are tailored to address evolving environmental and public health challenges, including climate change, waste management, food safety, and risk mitigation, while strengthening workforce capacity in the sector.

According to EHCON, the transition to a skills-based framework is part of its broader reform agenda aimed at repositioning environmental health education in Nigeria to meet global standards and industry demands.

The council further stated that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas related to health, education, and environmental sustainability, as well as the policy direction of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

EHCON reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with NBTE and other stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation, accreditation, and nationwide adoption of the new curriculum.

The council added that the reform sets a new benchmark for technical and vocational education in environmental health and is expected to produce highly skilled professionals equipped to tackle emerging public health and environmental challenges.

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