In a significant development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has announced that only full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates are eligible for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This clarification, made following a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC, seeks to address a long-standing issue concerning the participation of HND graduates in the national service scheme.
Eligibility Limited to Full-Time Graduates
Dr. Alausa emphasized that part-time HND graduates remain ineligible for NYSC mobilisation. In a statement from the ministry, it was noted:
“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. However, those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilization at all.”
This decision reaffirms the government’s stance that NYSC participation is reserved exclusively for those who have completed full-time HND programs.
New Portal to Streamline Mobilisation
To support this policy, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been tasked with accelerating the collation of data for eligible full-time HND graduates. A new HND admission portal has been established to ensure accurate documentation and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation.
“The newly created portal will ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation, addressing past challenges related to admission records,” the minister stated.
Dr. Alausa urged all eligible full-time HND graduates to take advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay.
Mixed Reactions from Graduates
The announcement has sparked varied responses. Full-time HND graduates have welcomed the chance to join the NYSC scheme, viewing it as a step toward equal opportunities. However, part-time HND graduates have expressed frustration and disappointment. In January 2025, thousands of part-time HND graduates protested in Lagos, demanding inclusion in the mobilisation process. Despite these calls, the minister’s clarification firmly excludes them from eligibility.
Commitment to Equity and National Development
The government’s decision reflects its broader commitment to fostering equal opportunities for qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme. By limiting mobilisation to full-time HND graduates, the Ministry of Education aims to maintain fairness and consistency in the education system.
Looking Ahead
As this policy takes effect, attention will now shift to the implementation of the mobilisation process for eligible full-time HND graduates. The new portal and NBTE’s efforts are expected to streamline this transition. Meanwhile, the exclusion of part-time HND graduates continues to be a point of contention, with potential implications for the education sector and affected individuals still unfolding.
For now, the Ministry of Education remains focused on ensuring a seamless mobilisation process for those who qualify, marking a pivotal moment for full-time HND graduates in Nigeria.