HND Part-Time Graduates Fear Exclusion From NYSC
A group of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in Nigeria has protested against a proposed policy by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that would exclude them from the national service scheme due to their part-time completion of National Diploma (ND) programs.
They argue that this decision is discriminatory, as many completed their HND studies full-time after facing challenges during their ND.
Protests occurred at the NYSC secretariat in Lagos, with demands for an immediate review of the policy.
The NYSC has acknowledged the concerns and stated that they are under review
Their protest coincided with the start of the second stream of Batch C mobilisation registration on Monday in Lagos.
The protesters, who gathered at the NYSC secretariat in the early hours of Monday, carried placards with messages such as “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All.” They expressed frustration over a proposed policy they believe unfairly targets them.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate of Yaba College of Technology, criticised the policy, calling it discriminatory. He highlighted the challenges faced by many students who completed their ND programmes part-time due to financial and personal difficulties.
“We’re being told that having a part-time ND disqualifies us from serving, even though we completed our HND full-time. This decision disregards the sacrifices many of us made during our ND studies,” Temitope said.
He added that the group had written to various authorities, including the Director-General of the NYSC and the Ministry of Education, but had yet to receive a response.
“We appeal to the federal government to address this issue immediately. Registration has already started, and many of us are uncertain about our status. It’s unfair to judge our eligibility based on our ND mode of study,” he said.
Adebola Osunfunrewa, a representative of the Education Rights Campaign, also criticised the proposed exclusion, calling it a setback for Nigeria’s education system.
“This situation highlights the state of our education system. How can a country facing a shortage of skilled manpower turn away thousands of willing graduates ready to serve their nation?” he questioned.
