The Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has announced that only full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates can take part in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This decision was reached after a discussion with the Director-General of the NYSC. According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, those who completed their HND through part-time studies will not be allowed to join the NYSC.

This clarification resolves a long-standing issue regarding the mobilization of HND graduates for national service. The government aims to ensure that only those who completed full-time programs are considered eligible.

“It underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system.

“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,” Folasade said.

“The Minister emphasized that NYSC mobilization is strictly for those who completed a full-time HND program, stressing that only full-time HND graduates will be mobilized, while those who did HND part-time remain ineligible.

“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 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme,” the statement added.