The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that graduates holding full-time Higher National Diplomas (HND) are now eligible for mobilization into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This development addresses a long-standing exclusion of HND holders from the national service program.
Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, confirmed this change following discussions with the NYSC Director-General. He stated, “Only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilization.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to compile data on eligible HND graduates. Polytechnic Rectors have received instructions to upload necessary graduate information onto a newly established HND admission portal. This portal will serve as the official database for NYSC mobilization, aiming to resolve previous challenges related to admission records.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the government’s commitment to equity and inclusivity within the education system, urging all eligible full-time HND graduates to take advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilization without delay.
It’s important to note that this eligibility extends solely to full-time HND graduates; those who completed part-time HND programs remain ineligible for NYSC mobilization.
