Full-time HND Graduates in Nigeria Now Qualified for NYSC – Minister of Education
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that graduates with full-time Higher National Diplomas (HND) are now eligible for mobilization into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This announcement was made in a press statement by Boriwo Folasade, Director of Press & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, following confirmation from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
Dr. Alausa explained that full-time HND graduates, who were previously excluded from the NYSC program, are now permitted to participate.
“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.
However, he clarified that those who obtained their HND through part-time programs remain ineligible.
“Only full-time HND graduates will be mobilized, while those who did HND part-time remain ineligible,” Dr. Alausa stated.
To ensure a smooth mobilization process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been instructed to accelerate the collation of data for eligible HND graduates.
“To facilitate a seamless mobilization process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates. In line with this, a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal,” he said.
Dr. Alausa also mentioned that a circular has been dispatched to all Polytechnic Rectors, requiring them to upload graduate information onto the newly established HND admission portal.
“The newly created portal will ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilization, addressing past challenges related to admission records,” he explained.
The Minister urged all full-time HND graduates who qualify for NYSC to take advantage of this opportunity and begin their mobilization without delay.
“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 noted.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates, stating that this decision supports ongoing efforts to enhance their role in national development through the NYSC scheme.
He emphasized that the move aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s dedication to fairness, equity, and inclusivity within Nigeria’s education system.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a vocational and technical qualification awarded by polytechnics and technical institutions, primarily in Nigeria and some Commonwealth countries. It is typically a two-year program aimed at providing specialized knowledge and hands-on training in fields such as engineering, business, technology, and applied sciences.
