Update on ND Part-Time Students/Graduates’ Eligibility for Direct Entry Admission

Due to the recent JAMB policy preventing part-time polytechnic HND graduates from participating in the NYSC program, many students who completed ND part-time and wish to transition to the university want to know if they are affected by this policy change. This post will address your questions and suggest possible ways forward.

JAMB Position Regarding Direct Entry

According to the latest development, this policy primarily affects HND graduates with a part-time background because the registration procedures for Direct Entry are entirely different from those for HND. In July 2024, JAMB announced that HND graduates with an ND part-time background do not qualify for the NYSC program. Dr. Fabian stated that part-time programs cater to those seeking formal education later in life. However, many candidates have started enrolling in these programs with the expectation of receiving full-time benefits, which contradicts their intended purpose.

“We admit students for ND programs. Once you graduate and seek HND admission, JAMB has no further role. HND admissions are conducted by individual institutions,” he added.

This response indicates that the policy primarily affects HND graduates with a part-time background, not those who wish to pursue further studies at the university. JAMB oversees Direct Entry (DE) admission, while institutions and the NBTE handle HND admissions.

When applying for Direct Entry admission, JAMB will need to verify your submitted statement of results and certificate.

Although JAMB has not issued any official statements regarding ND part-time eligibility for DE, their primary concern is the NYSC eligibility of HND graduates with a part-time background.

As JAMB manages Direct Entry admissions, students who obtained their ND through a part-time program are still eligible to apply for Direct Entry after successful regularization. Ensure that you have your A-level result ready.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan in Nigeria

Update from Polytechnic DE Applicants

9jaPolyTv, a platform for polytechnic students, observed that ND applicants with a part-time background who applied for DE this year experienced no issues and were not disqualified because of their part-time background. However, HND graduates with part-time backgrounds continue to face NYSC mobilization issues. This survey and observation indicate that this policy is not strictly enforced for DE students; it primarily impacts HND students.

ALSO READ: 5 Secrets to Make Money on WhatsApp

Advice for Applicants

If you obtained your ND through part-time study and graduated with good results, we advise you to proceed with your Direct Entry registration. First, complete your regularization and obtain your registration number, then proceed with registration. The DE form typically costs less than #8,000. You can apply and monitor the process.

Additionally, POLYTV researched three universities (names withheld), including two state universities and one private university, and found that ND applicants are eligible for the institutions’ DE programs, provided they meet the requirements, which include an upper credit or distinction, regardless of their part-time background.

The Difference Between HND and DE

JAMB does not manage HND admissions, but it does oversee Direct Entry admissions. Thus, the recent policy primarily affects HND admissions, not DE.

ALSO READ: How to Start a Successful WhatsApp TV and Make Money Daily by Posting on Your Status

Things to Know Before Applying

1. The JAMB Direct Entry form is different from the JAMB UTME form, which is for candidates seeking admission into the first year of a university program.
2. You can only register at JAMB offices.
3. You cannot apply for both JAMB DE and UTME in the same year.
4. The JAMB DE form is an online application form that you need to fill out and submit on the JAMB portal.
5. JAMB only recognizes and accepts twelve qualifications/certificates.
6. Statements of results are accepted for registration only within three years of the award date.
7. An upgrade from UTME to DE is available only to candidates whose DE results have not been released at the time of UTME registration or those who indicated at registration that they were awaiting A-level results.
8. The DE fee for the session is usually N3,500. Additional payments include N700 for the CBT Centre registration service charge, N1,500 for the CBT Centre service charge for mock/UTME, and N500 for bank charges/commission. This totals N6,200 for candidates not taking the MOCK exam, while those opting for the MOCK exam will pay N7,700.
9. You must have a National Identification Number.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for a Student Visa in Canada, UK, and USA from Nigeria

How to Pay

The following payment methods are available for interested candidates:

1. Bank payment: Use the e-PIN generated on the JAMB portal to pay.
2. Online payment: Use your ATM card or USSD code on the JAMB portal to pay.
3. POS payment: Pay with POS at any accredited CBT or JAMB office.

ALSO READ: Between JAMB Admission and School Admission, Which One is More Compulsory? Find Answers here

Final Update: ND Holders Who Completed Part-Time Programs

ND holders who completed part-time programs can apply for JAMB DE after successful regularization. DE candidates will be required to provide their JAMB registration numbers used to gain admission to NCE, NID, diploma, or previous degree programs. You can obtain your registration number after regularization.

Note: Scroll down and subscribe to this website to receive the latest updates on polytechnic education in Nigeria.

ALSO READ: Can I Study in the UK, USA, and Canada with My ND Result from Nigeria? Procedures and Requirements

In conclusion, despite speculation that ND students or graduates who completed part-time programs are not eligible for Direct Entry, our investigation contradicts this claim. Our findings show that the recent policy primarily impacts HND graduates regarding NYSC mobilization and does not affect Direct Entry candidates with a part-time background.

ALSO READ: Is it true that Polytechnic part-time and evening graduates are no Longer Eligible for NYSC?

For clarity, we encourage you to visit a JAMB office to obtain your DE form and inquire about your eligibility as a part-time graduate. If there are any updates or additional information on this topic, 9jaPolyTv will keep you informed. Thank you for reading, and please share this information with other polytechnic students. Click here to join our WhatsApp group for latest information. 

ALSO READ: Is it compulsory to Go for industrial Training after an ND? Can I ignore I.T. and focus on making money?