Congratulations to all Polytechnic Students: FG Approves NYSC Mobilization for Part-Time Poly Graduates After Years of Exclusion

The Federal Government has approved the mobilization of polytechnic graduates who were previously barred from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to part-time studies.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement on Friday during a visit to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. He confirmed that he had signed a memo instructing the NYSC Director-General to commence the mobilization process.

“I have approved a memo to the NYSC DG to mobilize you for service. I have also scheduled a meeting with the NYSC DG in the next two weeks. You must be allowed to serve,” Dr. Alausa stated.

This move comes after years of agitation from affected graduates under the Concerned Higher National Diploma (HND) Graduates/Students group. Many of them were disqualified from the NYSC scheme due to a policy that barred those who completed their National Diploma (ND) through part-time programs but later pursued full-time HND studies.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had previously written to the NYSC leadership, advocating for a reversal of the policy. The graduates had also sought intervention from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

Dr. Alausa further urged Nigerian youths to stop sharing negative portrayals of the country on social media, arguing that citizens of nations like the U.S. and the U.K. do not engage in such behavior.

This development marks a significant victory for thousands of affected graduates, many of whom had been denied the opportunity to serve despite completing their studies.