Im like u also, diploma holder in ministry for 5 years plus, took me like 5 years after i get my degree before i finally get a degree post in a stat board. Im also a private degree holder. What i can say diploma path and degree path sure got diff, from diploma u want rise up to degree post will take super long, unless u high flyer and boss like u, else just take a private degree and jump ship to get to a degree post.