The Federal Government has approved the mobilisation of full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), ending years of exclusion from the scheme.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who announced the decision, confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible for mobilisation, while part-time HND graduates remain ineligible.
To facilitate the process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to collate data on eligible HND graduates. A circular has also been sent to Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload graduate records onto a newly created HND admission portal to streamline mobilisation.
Previously, HND graduates who studied part-time were ineligible for NYSC service due to admission irregularities and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) discontinuation of illegal admission regularisation.
A statement from the Director of Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, confirmed that the breakthrough followed discussions between the Minister of Education and the NYSC Director-General.
“This development marks a significant breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC program. It underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system,” the statement read.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that NYSC mobilisation is strictly for those who completed a full-time HND program, adding that the newly created admission portal will serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation.
“The Honourable Minister urges all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay,” the statement added.
The move is expected to provide equal opportunities for full-time HND graduates and ensure their contribution to national development through the NYSC scheme.
