HND graduates who completed part-time National Diploma (ND) programs are protesting their proposed exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Their concerns were raised as the second stream Batch C mobilization registration commenced on Monday.
Gathering at the NYSC Secretariat in Lagos early Monday morning, the graduates carried placards with slogans like “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All,” demanding fair treatment and inclusion in the scheme.
Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate from Yaba College of Technology, spoke on behalf of the protesters, describing the proposed policy as unfair. He expressed frustration that many graduates who transitioned from part-time ND programs to full-time HND studies might now be denied NYSC mobilization.
“Many of us struggled to complete our ND programs part-time before moving to full-time HND. It’s disappointing to hear that we might be excluded from serving. We hope this peaceful protest will lead to a dialogue, as some of our colleagues are standing by to discuss this issue constructively,” Temitope said.
The protesters noted that letters had been sent to the NYSC Director-General, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant bodies, but no response had been received. Temitope urged the federal government to intervene. “Judging us by our ND status is unjust. We ask the Ministry of Education and the NYSC to reconsider this policy and allow us to register,” he added.
Adebola Osunfunrewa, representing the Education Rights Campaign, criticized the proposed exclusion as detrimental to the country’s education system. “Over 3,000 graduates are eager to serve their country, and this policy only highlights the ongoing decline in Nigeria’s education system,” he said.
In response, Christiana Salwang, the Lagos NYSC Coordinator, represented by Assistant Director Ehimuenma Itohan, assured the protesters that their grievances were being reviewed.
“We have forwarded your concerns to the Director-General at the national headquarters. Please remain calm and wait for the outcome. The Director-General is committed to addressing grievances within the framework of NYSC guidelines and policies,” she stated.
