In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved the mobilization of full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This decision ends years of restrictions that previously barred HND holders from participating in the national scheme, marking a major win for students and graduates across the country.
The approval was confirmed in a press release by Boriwo Folasade, Director of Press & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The announcement came after deliberations between the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Director-General of NYSC.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that it was necessary to resolve the long-standing exclusion of HND graduates from the NYSC program.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, is pleased to announce the resolution of the long-standing issue regarding the mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Following a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC, the Minister confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilization,” the statement read.
This new policy serves as a significant step toward bridging the gap between HND and university degree holders, giving technical education students the same opportunities for national service and career advancement.
However, while the new policy is being celebrated, it is important to note that only full-time HND graduates will benefit from this mobilization.
The Minister clarified that part-time HND holders will remain ineligible for NYSC, maintaining a distinction between the two categories of students.
This clarification ensures that the NYSC scheme remains structured while still providing fair opportunities for full-time polytechnic graduates.
The decision signifies a step forward in Nigeria’s education sector and a major achievement in addressing long-standing disparities between different categories of graduates.
