ICYMI: HND Graduates Protest Against Denial of NYSC Participation 

The Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates with part-time National Diploma(ND) background staged a protest On Monday at Lagos secretary, denouncing a proposed policy that would exclude them from participating in the National Youth Service corps (NYSC).

The protesters, holding placards with messages, “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Right for All”, called for an immediate reversal of the policy as Batch C stream ii registration commenced. 

An HND graduates from Yaba College of Technology, Majaro Temitope, described the policy as discrimination, expressing that many them had worked hard to switched from part-time National Diploma (ND) programs to full time HND programs

Many of us here did ND part-time and later switched to HND full time. We were not told there is a policy that will deny us the opportunity to serve, despite struggles we face during our ND years,” he asserted 

Temitope also claimed that they have written letters to relevant authorities, including the NYSC and JAMB, but yet to receive a response.

Another representative from the Education Right Campaign, Adebola Osunfunrewa, called the policy a setback for Nigeria’s educational system.

“This policy is another sign that Nigeria’s education system is collapsing. How can over 3,000 graduates be begging to serve in a country that is facing severe teacher storages?” he queried

The Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, represented by Assistant Director, Ehimuenma Itohan, responding to the protester, assured them that their issues had been forwarded to the Director-General at the national headquarters.

Itohan urged the protester to remain calm and assured them that the matter was being taken seriously. 

“ Your protest has been duly noted, and we have escalated your grievance to the highest level of the management in NYSC. The Director-General is a father figure who deeply cares about the concerns of the youth, and I assure you that he will consider all aspects that matter in line with the existing guidelines and policies.” Itohan expressed.