NYSC Implements New Internship Policy, Rejects HND Graduates Without IT Certification

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has begun enforcing a new policy that has led to the rejection of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates lacking Industrial Training (IT) certification from orientation camps across the country. The development came into effect as NYSC orientation camps opened nationwide yesterday.

The newly introduced policy mandates that polytechnic graduates must present evidence of completing their mandatory one-year IT to be eligible for registration at the NYSC camps. This move has affected several HND graduates who were mobilized for Batch B Stream II, as they were denied entry into the camps due to the absence of this certification.

At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, our correspondent observed that registration was proceeding smoothly for corps members who met all the necessary requirements. However, several prospective corps members without IT certification expressed frustration and disappointment, as they were turned away despite having completed their academic programs.

One affected individual, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the timing of the policy, noting that many of their peers were already serving without encountering such hurdles. “They are asking for the IT certificate; once you present it and other documents, they allow you to proceed with registration. This new requirement has caused a lot of frustration among us,” the source stated.

In contrast, some corps members who had the required documents, like Mrs. Hauwa Collins, a nursing mother, reported a smooth and transparent registration process. “I arrived early, and after presenting my IT certificate and other documents, I was able to register without any issues. However, I saw others who were turned away, and it’s disheartening,” she shared.

As of the time of this report, corps members were still arriving at the camp, and the fate of those rejected remains uncertain. Due to strict security measures, our reporter was unable to gather further details inside the camp.

The NYSC’s new policy has sparked a debate, with many affected graduates hoping for a resolution that will allow them to fulfill their national service obligations without being penalized for documentation gaps.