The Nigerian federal government has clarified that part-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will not be eligible for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, announced this decision following discussions with the NYSC director-general, stating that only full-time HND graduates will be allowed to participate. This move aims to address concerns regarding fairness in the Education system and ensure that only those who meet the required academic standards benefit from the NYSC scheme. The National Board for Technical Education has been instructed to compile data on eligible full-time HND graduates to facilitate their mobilisation.
To implement this directive, a circular has been sent to polytechnic rectors, mandating them to upload graduate data to a newly established HND admission portal. Alausa emphasised that the portal would serve as an official database to streamline the NYSC mobilisation process, preventing discrepancies in admission records. He encouraged all eligible graduates to take advantage of the opportunity, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for qualified Nigerian youth. The decision is expected to put an end to longstanding debates about whether HND graduates should be included in the scheme, particularly amid concerns about the disparities between university and polytechnic graduates.
Exclusion of part-time graduates reinforces systemic inequalities.
While the directive has been praised for clarifying the status of full-time HND graduates, it has sparked concerns among part-time graduates, many of whom pursued their studies while working to support themselves. Critics argue that the exclusion reinforces systemic inequalities, particularly as university part-time graduates have also been historically ineligible for NYSC. Some stakeholders have called on the government to introduce alternative national service schemes that allow all graduates to contribute to national development, irrespective of their mode of study.
Moreover, this decision also raises some questions about the broader treatment of polytechnic education in Nigeria. Many graduates and education advocates have long argued that HND holders tend to face discrimination in both public and private sectors, with limited career progression opportunities compared to their university counterparts. By restricting NYSC participation, the government may inadvertently reinforce the perception that polytechnic education is inferior, despite repeated assurances that both university and HND graduates possess valuable skills.
Lack of an NYSC certificate could lead to unemployment.
In addition to the immediate impact on affected students, excluding part-time HND graduates from NYSC participation could have lasting consequences on their career prospects. Many employers in Nigeria still regard NYSC certification as a key requirement for fresh graduates, making it difficult for part-time HND holders to compete for jobs. Without clear policies ensuring equal employment opportunities, this directive could further disadvantage those who pursued part-time education due to financial or personal constraints. Many of these students balanced work and studies, yet they now face additional hurdles in securing employment simply because of their mode of study.
Some experts suggest that a more inclusive approach would be to introduce a structured post-graduation service programme for non-traditional students. Such an initiative could provide work experience and national service opportunities outside the NYSC framework, ensuring that all qualified graduates contribute to national development. Countries with similar service requirements have adopted alternative pathways that accommodate part-time and full-time graduates alike. Implementing a similar model in Nigeria could help bridge the gap between different categories of students while maintaining the purpose of national service.
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As the policy takes effect, affected graduates may explore alternative ways to validate their qualifications and improve their employability. Some might pursue professional certifications, further studies, or skill development programmes to enhance their credentials. However, these alternatives may not fully compensate for the disadvantages imposed by NYSC exclusion, particularly in a competitive job market. If the government fails to address concerns about educational equity, the decision could erode confidence in the Higher Education system, particularly among polytechnic graduates who already face career limitations.