Abuja, March 20, 2025 – Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has resolved a decades-long debate by approving full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization.
Announcing the decision, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa emphasized equity, marking a historic shift toward inclusivity.
Previously excluded, these graduates now gain equal access to NYSC, a program critical for career advancement and national integration.
The Ministry clarified that only full-time HND holders qualify, excluding part-time counterparts.
Following negotiations with NYSC leadership, Dr. Alausa directed the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to fast-track graduate data collection.
Simultaneously, polytechnic rectors received mandates to upload student details to a centralized HND admissions portal, streamlining verification.
Ending Exclusion, Embracing Equity
This resolution ends years of exclusion for full-time HND graduates, whom policymakers previously overlooked. Dr. Alausa hailed the move as a victory for fairness, stating, “We prioritize equal opportunities for all students, regardless of academic pathways.” He stressed that NYSC participation empowers graduates to contribute skills to national development, bridging workforce gaps.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry launched a digital portal to authenticate admissions records, addressing past inconsistencies. “Technology eliminates bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring transparency,” Dr. Alausa explained. Graduates must promptly submit details via the platform, as delays could hinder mobilization.
Tech-Driven Solutions for Efficiency
The new portal centralizes data, allowing NYSC to verify eligibility swiftly. Polytechnics now face strict deadlines to upload information, minimizing errors. Additionally, the NBTE will audit institutions to curb fraudulent claims. Dr. Alausa warned, “Only legitimate full-time graduates will benefit,” urging students to confirm their status early.
Stakeholders, including student unions, praised the decision. National Polytechnic Students Association President Adeola Ibrahim called it “a triumph for justice,” noting HND holders’ historical marginalization in employment. Employers often favor university degrees, but NYSC certification could boost HND graduates’ competitiveness.
Next Steps and National Impact
Following the announcement, the Ministry urged graduates to monitor the portal for updates. Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Every qualified Nigerian deserves recognition.” Meanwhile, NYSC confirmed revised timelines to accommodate incoming HND applicants, ensuring seamless integration.
Education analysts predict this policy will elevate polytechnic enrollment, addressing skill shortages in technical fields. By valuing HND qualifications equally, Nigeria aligns with global trends prioritizing vocational training. Consequently, industries like engineering and IT may benefit from a larger, certified workforce.
A Unified Call to Action
Dr. Alausa urged institutions, students, and employers to collaborate, calling the policy “a foundation for national progress.” Graduates must act swiftly to secure placement, while polytechnics must uphold data accuracy. As implementation begins, the Ministry vows to penalize non-compliant institutions, safeguarding the policy’s integrity.
This milestone reflects Nigeria’s evolving education landscape, finally recognizing diverse academic contributions. For thousands of HND holders, it unlocks doors long closed, fostering hope and renewed confidence in the nation’s future.
