NAPS Secures NYSC Mobilization for Part-Time Polytechnic Graduates

In a landmark victory for polytechnic students across Nigeria, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has secured approval for the mobilization of part-time National Diploma (ND) graduates into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The announcement came from the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, who confirmed the decision during a recent visit to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

For years, polytechnic graduates who completed their ND on a part-time basis but proceeded to full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) programs were excluded from the NYSC scheme. This exclusion had sparked widespread agitation from students and advocacy groups, with NAPS leading the charge for policy reform.

Government Responds to Advocacy

Speaking to students in Lagos, Dr. Alausa assured that he had approved a memo to the NYSC Director-General to facilitate immediate mobilization of affected graduates. He further disclosed that he had summoned the NYSC DG for a meeting in the coming weeks to finalize implementation.

The decision marks a significant policy shift and is seen as a step toward equity in Nigeria’s education system. NAPS, which has been at the forefront of the struggle, described it as a “long-overdue victory for justice and fairness.”

“This is a win for every polytechnic student who has been unfairly sidelined. It proves that persistent advocacy works,” said NAPS Vice President, External Affairs, Comrade Aliyu Omotayo Yusuf.

Push for Swift Implementation

While celebrating the approval, NAPS has called on the NYSC Directorate to act swiftly in executing the minister’s directive. The association insists that affected graduates must be mobilized with Batch A, Stream 1, 2025, to prevent further delays.

NAPS also expressed gratitude to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other stakeholders who played a role in securing this resolution.

Hope for Polytechnic Students

The approval reignites hope among polytechnic students who have long felt marginalized within Nigeria’s education system. NAPS has vowed to continue its advocacy, ensuring that policies affecting technical and vocational education are fair and inclusive.

As the implementation process unfolds, affected students are urged to remain patient while relevant authorities work to enforce the directive.