HND Graduates Protest Proposed NYSC Exclusion

Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates who previously completed part-time National Diploma (ND) programs are protesting against their proposed exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. The protest coincides with the start of registration for the second stream of Batch C mobilisation on Monday, January 6.

The graduates gathered at the NYSC secretariat in Lagos, displaying placards with messages such as “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All.” They demanded inclusion in the NYSC mobilisation process, arguing that the exclusion policy is unfair and discriminatory.

Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate from Yaba College of Technology, spoke on behalf of the protesters. He highlighted the challenges many of them faced transitioning from part-time ND to full-time HND programs and expressed frustration over the proposed exclusion.

“Many of us did ND part-time and later switched to full-time HND. We were not informed of any policy denying us the opportunity to serve despite the struggles we endured during our ND years,” he said.

Temitope added that letters had been sent to relevant authorities, including the NYSC Director-General and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), but there had been no response. He urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education to review the policy, particularly as registration had already begun.

Adebola Osunfunrewa, a representative from the Education Rights Campaign, also criticised the policy, describing it as a symptom of the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s education system. He questioned why thousands of students had to fight for the opportunity to serve in a country facing teacher shortages.

In response, Assistant Director Ehimuenma Itohan, representing the Lagos NYSC Coordinator, addressed the protesters. She assured them that their concerns had been communicated to the NYSC Director-General and urged them to remain calm.

“Your protest has been duly noted, and we have escalated your grievance to the highest level of management in NYSC. The Director-General is a father figure who deeply cares about the concerns of the youth. He will consider all aspects of the matter in line with existing guidelines and policies,” Itohan said.

The affected graduates are now awaiting further action from the NYSC and other authorities as the registration process continues.