In a groundbreaking development for Nigeria’s education and youth service landscape, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced that graduates holding a full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) are now eligible to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization process.
This decision marks a significant shift in policy, opening up new avenues for thousands of HND graduates who, until this point, were excluded from the mandatory national service program that has long been a rite of passage for university degree holders in the country.
The move is being hailed as a step toward greater inclusivity and recognition of the value that polytechnic education brings to Nigeria’s workforce and national development.
Announcement from the Minister of Education
The news was confirmed by Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, in a press release shared by Boriwo Folasade, the Director of Press & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. Dr. Alausa shared that after discussions with the Director-General of the NYSC, it was decided that only full-time HND graduates are now eligible for mobilization.
According to the statement, “Only full-time HND graduates will be mobilized, while part-time HND graduates remain ineligible.” This means that graduates who completed their HND programs through part-time courses will not be able to participate in the NYSC program.
The Role of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
To ensure that the mobilization process runs smoothly, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been given the responsibility to collect and manage the data of eligible HND graduates. This will help make the process easier and faster.
In order to ensure proper records, a new HND admission portal has been created. All Rectors of Polytechnics have been instructed to upload the necessary data of eligible HND graduates onto this new platform. This portal will keep track of all full-time HND graduates, making the mobilization process more organized and effective.
The Importance of This Decision
Dr. Alausa, in his address, elaborated on the significance of this policy shift, framing it as a transformative moment for Nigeria’s educational and national service frameworks. He argued that allowing full-time HND graduates to participate in the NYSC would not only benefit the graduates themselves but also enrich the nation as a whole.
“This change will encourage our HND graduates to contribute actively to Nigeria’s development,” he said, noting that the NYSC provides a unique platform for young Nigerians to engage with diverse communities, build professional networks, and develop leadership skills. By extending this opportunity to polytechnic graduates, the government is signaling its belief in their ability to play a meaningful role in nation-building.
The Minister also issued a passionate appeal to all eligible full-time HND graduates, urging them to take immediate steps to begin their mobilization process. “The Honourable Minister urges all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilization without delay,” he stated.
This sense of urgency reflects the government’s desire to see rapid uptake and integration of HND graduates into the NYSC, ensuring that the benefits of this decision are felt as soon as possible. Beyond individual gains, Dr. Alausa tied the initiative to the broader mission of the Nigerian government to provide equitable opportunities for all qualified graduates, regardless of whether they attended a university or a polytechnic.
What Is the HND and Why Does It Matter?
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a specialized qualification awarded to students who complete vocational and practical programs at polytechnics and technical institutions in Nigeria and other Commonwealth countries. The HND is typically a two-year program focused on developing practical skills in fields such as engineering, business, technology, and applied sciences.
It is an important qualification because it equips students with the skills needed for hands-on work in their chosen fields, making them valuable assets to Nigeria’s workforce. However, until now, HND graduates were excluded from the NYSC program, a situation that has now been resolved.
Calls for Policy Changes Regarding HND-BSc Dichotomy
In addition to the announcement about NYSC eligibility, there have been calls for further reforms to support HND graduates. The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has urged the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, to sponsor a bill that would remove the HND-BSc dichotomy, which has disadvantaged many HND holders in the job market.
This issue has been ongoing for years, with the 9th Senate passing a similar bill that was not signed into law. The Association believes that resolving this issue will help increase enrollment in polytechnics and drive industrial growth in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government’s decision to allow full-time HND graduates to participate in the NYSC is a step towards equity and fairness in the country’s education system. It gives full-time HND graduates the opportunity to contribute to national development and gain valuable experience through the NYSC program.
However, the fight for more support for polytechnic education continues. With further reforms and investments in technical education, Nigeria can ensure that its workforce is skilled, competitive, and ready to contribute to the nation’s growth.
Key Points to Remember:
- Full-time HND graduates are now eligible for NYSC mobilization.
- Part-time HND graduates remain ineligible.
- NBTE will oversee the collection of data for eligible graduates.
- A new portal has been created to manage the data of full-time HND graduates.
- The Nigerian government is committed to ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all qualified graduates.
This change reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to improve education and create equal opportunities for all Nigerians.