Final Update on Eligibility and Mobilization of ND Part-time/HND full-time Graduates for NYSC

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), during a meeting with the National Association of Polytechnic Students, the Federal Ministry of Education, and JAMB officials, reached a resolution on the eligibility of HND graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.

POLYTV had earlier reported how HND graduates who pursued part-time programs in their ND are unable to register for the NYSC program due to the “P” predicament on their JAMB registration number, as JAMB insists that part-time graduates are exempted from the NYSC program.

NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Bugaje, stated that part-time programs in polytechnics are being abused, and NBTE guidelines are not adhered to, both in terms of capacity and duration. 

Some polytechnics run part-time programs for two years, whereas the duration should be three years. These schools also admit a large population of students into the part-time programs. NBTE blames polytechnic management for not effectively communicating to their students that part-time students are exempted from the NYSC program.

After several deliberations during the meeting, a resolution was reached and concluded that all the affected HND graduates ineligible for the NYSC program will be issued an “EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE.”

The resolutions are as follows:

1.  FME-NBTE Task Force: 

A task force will be established to monitor and assess the state of part-time programs in all six geopolitical zones. Those violating the 50% carrying capacity and 150% time shall be sanctioned.

2.  Mandatory Use of NBTE HND Admission Portal: 

From 2024 onward, all Institutions must use the NBTE HND admission portal for admissions. Institutions that fail to comply will risk losing the mobilization of their HND graduates.

3.  ISSUANCE OF EXCLUSION CERTIFICATES: 

Affected part-time graduates who have already completed their studies but are ineligible for NYSC will be issued certificates of exclusion as a waiver.

4.  INFORMED ENROLLMENT: 

Heads of institutions must provide clear and detailed information to students regarding the implications of enrolling in part-time programs, particularly with regard to NYSC mobilization, to prevent future confusion.

The meeting was adjourned with a commitment from all parties to work together in ensuring that the issues raised are resolved. NBTE will follow up with relevant stakeholders, including JAMB, NYSC, and FME, to ensure the successful implementation of the agreed resolutions.

RESPONSE FROM NYSC

The NYSC representative explained that mobilization for NYSC is strictly based on eligibility criteria provided by JAMB. As such, students who do not meet the required conditions are not mobilized. The representative noted that affected students could be issued certificates of exclusion as an alternative, but emphasized that an official request from NBTE must be submitted to facilitate this.

RESPONSE FROM JAMB

The JAMB representative emphasized that JAMB is responsible for processing admissions for full-time ND programs, and therefore holds no records for part- time students. He clarified that the lack of a database for part-time students is why such students face challenges during HND mobilization for NYSC. Furthermore, part-time programs were originally designed for working professionals, who are typically older and could receive exemption letters from NYSC. The current issue arises from younger students enrolling in part- time programs without fully understanding the limitations regarding NYSC mobilization. The representative highlighted that proper sensitization by institutions is critical.

COMMENTS FROM COHEADS REPRESENTATIVE

The representative from the COHEADS voiced concerns over the increasing use of part-time programs by institutions as a means of generating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He recommended that NBTE issue a strict circular to institutions, ensuring that students are made aware of the implications of enrolling in part-time programs.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION’S INPUT

The FME Director, asked JAMB for clarification regarding why ND full-time students are allowed to enroll in universities through Direct Entry (DE), yet those with ND part-time background are denied NYSC mobilization upon completing HND full time programs. JAMB clarified that DE admissions are only granted to full-time ND graduates who meet the necessary academic requirements. Part-time ND graduates are not eligible for DE admission.

What does this resolution mean?

In case you don’t understand what this resolution means, here is a breakdown in layman’s terms:

1. Those HND graduates already Affected by this policy will be issued an exemption certificate. 

It means all the affected HND graduates who have completed their studies and are ineligible for the NYSC program will not participate in the NYSC program; instead, they will be issued an NYSC exemption certificate. For example, if you have completed your HND program and are among the graduates affected by this policy, there is nothing you can do about it. You have to accept your exemption certificate and move on.

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2. The Use of the NBTE Admission Portal.

NBTE has informed all polytechnics that, henceforth, all institutions must use their portal for admission processing.

What does this mean? It means that starting from the 2024/2025 academic session, all HND admission registrations must go through the NBTE portal. This will enable HND full-time graduates who did part-time in ND to be mobilized for NYSC. All institutions are advised to comply. If you did ND part-time and want to pursue HND full-time, make sure you register on the NBTE portal: [https://hnd.nbte.gov.ng/login] (https://hnd.nbte.gov.ng/login) to be eligible for the NYSC program.

3. Warning to Students. 

NBTE has directed all polytechnics to provide detailed information about their part-time programs to applicants, especially regarding NYSC enrollment. Your school is expected to inform you whether you are eligible for NYSC enrollment or not if you apply for their part-time programs.

4. Task Force.

NBTE has launched a task force to monitor all institutions admitting students beyond their capacity, with necessary sanctions to follow.

5. NYSC Mobilization for HND FULL-TIME Graduates Will Be Done on NBTE portal Starting from 2026.

From this year (2024), all HND admissions must pass through the NBTE portal developed for that purpose. From 2026, all mobilization for NYSC shall be done via this portal. This will enable all full-time HND graduates to be mobilized. This means that starting from 2026, all HND full-time graduates will be mobilized for NYSC.

Let me break this part down for better understanding: this will take effect from the 2024/2025 academic session. This means that if you did part-time in ND and want to pursue full-time in HND, starting from the 2024/2025 session, you will be mobilized for the NYSC program. What does this mean? It means if you apply for HND admission this year (2024), you are expected to graduate by 2026, so by 2026, you will be mobilized for NYSC provided you did full-time in your HND program.

Starting from 2026, whether you did part-time in your ND or not, as long as you pursued HND as a full-time program, you will be mobilized for NYSC.

However, those HND graduates who have already completed their studies and are ineligible for NYSC have to accept their fate, as they will be issued an exemption certificate and will not participate in the NYSC program henceforth.

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What is the NYSC Exemption Certificate?

The NYSC exemption certificate is a document given to anyone who is exempted from the NYSC service year due to any of the reasons stated in Section 2, Subsection (1) of the National Youth Service Corps Decree of 1993. This certificate can be presented in place of the NYSC Certificate of National Service when required.

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In conclusion, according to the latest update and resolution, those who have already completed their studies and are affected by the “JAMB part-time policy” will be issued an exemption certificate. While those who did ND part time and are about to enroll for HND full-time programs from 2024/2025 session will be mobilized for NYSC.

If you have any questions, please use the comment box below. Thank you. Kindly share this update with all polytechnic students for awareness.

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