The Federal Government has officially resolved the longstanding issue concerning the mobilisation of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced on Thursday that only graduates who completed their HND through full-time programmes will be eligible for NYSC mobilisation.

This decision follows extensive discussions with the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, aimed at addressing previous exclusions that affected HND holders—especially those who completed their National Diploma (ND) through part-time programmes.

Earlier this year, concerns over the NYSC mobilisation process sparked protests among HND graduates who felt unfairly excluded. The exclusion primarily affected those who obtained their ND through part-time studies, creating widespread debate about fairness in the system.

Recent developments, however, have brought clarity to the matter. While full-time HND graduates will now be included in the NYSC programme, those who pursued part-time HND courses will remain ineligible for mobilisation.

To ensure a smooth transition, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to fast-track the collation of data for eligible HND graduates. A circular has also been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload graduate records onto a newly created HND admission portal.

Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to fairness in the education system and the proper integration of HND graduates into national service.

“Following a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC, the Minister confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilisation.

“To facilitate a seamless mobilisation 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,” he stated.

The Minister emphasised that the new portal will serve as an official database for NYSC mobilisation, ensuring proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and addressing past challenges related to admission records.

Dr. Alausa urged all qualified HND graduates to take advantage of the opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for Nigerian graduates and ensuring their active participation in national development through the NYSC scheme.