Federal Government Approves NYSC Mobilization for Full-Time HND Graduates

Landmark Decision Ends Discrimination Against Polytechnic Graduates

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced that all full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will now be eligible for mobilization into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This policy shift marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s higher education system, addressing the long-standing disparity between university and polytechnic graduates regarding NYSC eligibility.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following a meeting with the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu. According to the Minister’s statement, only full-time HND graduates will be considered for mobilization, while those who completed their HND programs on a part-time basis will remain ineligible.

This decision, which was confirmed in an official release by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, is expected to streamline the mobilization process and resolve previous controversies regarding the status of polytechnic graduates in the NYSC scheme.

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Background: Long-Standing Exclusion and Protests

For years, polytechnic graduates faced challenges in gaining recognition for NYSC mobilization. The exclusion of part-time HND graduates was a major point of contention, but the most controversial aspect was the NYSC’s 2024 directive that prevented HND holders without evidence of completing a mandatory 12-month industrial training (IT) from registering at NYSC orientation camps.

This directive, announced in August 2024, sparked nationwide protests, with aggrieved graduates taking to the streets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and other major cities to demand equal treatment. Many argued that the policy was discriminatory, as university graduates did not face similar restrictions.

The protests prompted intense debates among education stakeholders, student unions, and government officials, leading to this latest resolution by the Federal Government.

Key Highlights of the New Policy

1. Full-Time HND Graduates Eligible for NYSC
   • Only students who completed a full-time HND program will be mobilized for national service.
   • Those who pursued part-time HND programs will remain exempt from the NYSC scheme.
2. National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to Oversee Implementation
   • The NBTE has been directed to collect and verify data for all eligible full-time HND graduates.
   • All Rectors of Polytechnics have been instructed to upload graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal to facilitate seamless NYSC registration.
3. New HND Admission Portal for Accurate Documentation
   • The Federal Government has developed a centralized database for full-time HND graduates.
   • This database will serve as the official platform for NYSC mobilization, ensuring proper documentation and eliminating past challenges related to admission records and discrepancies.
4. Government’s Commitment to Equal Opportunities
   • Minister Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness in graduate mobilization.
   • The new directive ensures that qualified Nigerian graduates from polytechnics contribute to national development through the NYSC scheme.

Reactions and Implications

Students and Polytechnic Graduates Welcome the Change

The decision has been met with widespread approval among polytechnic students and graduates, many of whom have long called for an end to discriminatory policies against HND holders.

• National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) President, Usman Abdullahi, described the move as “a victory for polytechnic education”, stating that “this decision corrects a long-standing injustice and restores dignity to polytechnic graduates.”
• Several polytechnic graduates took to social media platforms to celebrate the announcement, expressing relief and gratitude to the Federal Government.

Education Experts Praise the Move

Education experts have commended the government for its progressive stance, noting that the new policy will:

• Enhance the credibility of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
• Encourage more students to pursue HND programs, knowing they will receive equal treatment as university graduates.
• Bridge the long-standing gap between universities and polytechnics, which has historically favored Bachelor’s degree holders.

Potential Challenges and Areas of Concern

Despite the positive reactions, some education analysts have raised concerns about implementation, particularly regarding:

• Verification of full-time vs. part-time graduates – Ensuring only full-time HND graduates are mobilized may require rigorous verification processes.
• Database management and efficiency – The success of the new policy depends on how effectively the NBTE manages the new HND admission portal.
• Possible legal challenges – Part-time HND graduates who remain ineligible for NYSC may challenge the policy in court, arguing for equal treatment.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Nigeria’s Education System

The approval of NYSC mobilization for full-time HND graduates is part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s education system and enhance the status of technical and vocational education.

Key Takeaways from the Policy Shift:

1. Increased Enrollment in Polytechnics – More students may now choose HND programs, knowing they will no longer be excluded from NYSC.
2. Greater Parity Between Polytechnic and University Graduates – The move reduces the divide between Bachelor’s degree holders and HND graduates, promoting educational equality.
3. Stronger Polytechnic Education System – By recognizing HND holders for NYSC, the government is reinforcing technical education as a valuable pathway for students.
4. More Employment Opportunities – Many employers require NYSC certification as part of job eligibility, meaning that previously excluded HND graduates will now have a better chance at securing employment.

With the policy now in place, the next few months will be critical for implementation. The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education and the NBTE, will need to work closely with polytechnic authorities to ensure a smooth mobilization process.

 A Step Towards Educational Equality

The Federal Government’s decision to allow full-time HND graduates to participate in NYSC marks a historic step toward bridging educational disparities in Nigeria. After years of debate and protests, polytechnic graduates can now proudly serve their country, just like their university counterparts.

While challenges remain in the execution of this policy, it sets the stage for further educational reforms, reinforcing the value of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

As the government moves forward with implementation, all eyes will be on the NBTE and polytechnics to ensure a seamless transition and effective documentation of eligible graduates.

For now, full-time HND graduates can celebrate this victory—a recognition of their right to equal opportunities in national service and employment.