NYSC Policy Change Jeopardizes HND Graduates’ Participation

A substantial number of HND graduates are now in danger of being denied an opportunity to serve under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) following a recent policy change. The new directive by the NYSC states that HND holders will be required to present evidence of an Industrial Training (IT) that has spanned at least one year before they can qualify for national service.

This is causing anxiety among many graduates, especially those slated to join the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course on August 28, 2024. “In addition to ND and HND Certificates/Statement of Results, Graduates of Higher National Diploma (HND) should submit certificates proving completion of their one-year Industrial Training,” as per NYSC . This directive implies that many HND graduates might miss out on taking part in the national service due to lack of requisite IT certifications.

It is mandatory that students seeking admission into the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes spend one year as IT students. A good number of polytechnics have admitted candidates into their various programmes without verifying if they have undergone IT training or not. According to Yetunde Baderinwa, a Lagos State NYSC coordinator who explained why these laws must be enforced: “Some polytechnic and monotechnic graduates do not go for one year IT programme before going for their HND programs.” One year IT program is a prerequisite for HND.

Many affected graduates, who have already been mobilized for Batch B Stream II, are appealing to the NYSC for intervention. They argue that they were admitted without being required to provide the IT certificate and were not made aware of its necessity by their schools. These graduates are now seeking leniency to allow them to participate in the national service and serve their country.