HND Graduates Protest Proposed Exclusion from NYSC Scheme in Lagos

A group of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates gathered at the Lagos National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) secretariat on Monday to protest a proposed policy that would disqualify them from participating in the NYSC program. The policy targets graduates who completed part-time National Diploma (ND) programs before advancing to full-time HND studies, prompting calls for its immediate reversal.

The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages like “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All,” voiced their frustration as the registration for Batch C Stream II began. They argued that the policy unfairly discriminates against their educational background, despite the significant efforts they made to complete their studies.

Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate from Yaba College of Technology, criticized the authorities for not providing prior notice about the policy change. Temitope highlighted the difficulties many students faced during their ND programs and the determination required to pursue higher education.

The protesters claimed they had reached out to the NYSC and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) but received no response. Adebola Osunfunrewa of the Education Rights Campaign condemned the policy as emblematic of deeper issues within Nigeria’s education system, pointing out the irony of excluding graduates from national service at a time when the country faces a teacher shortage.

In response, Lagos NYSC Coordinator Christiana Salwang, represented by Assistant Director Ehimuenma Itohan, reassured the protesters that their grievances had been relayed to the NYSC Director-General. “The Director-General is currently reviewing the matter and is committed to addressing your concerns within the framework of existing policies,” Itohan stated, urging the protesters to remain calm and patient.

As the mobilization process for Batch C Stream II continues, the outcome of these deliberations is highly anticipated, with many awaiting a resolution to the contentious policy.