In a nation where the call to serve is a rite of passage for graduates, a new hurdle has emerged for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders seeking to embark on their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) journey. Imagine completing your studies with dreams of contributing to national development, only to find that a crucial piece of paperwork stands between you and your service year. Recent policy changes have introduced a mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) requirement for HND graduates, leaving many in a state of confusion and frustration. This unexpected twist not only raises questions about the preparedness of graduates but also highlights a significant gap in the educational system. As the NYSC navigates these changes, HND graduates must grapple with the implications for their future and the vital skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Join us as we explore the reasons behind this policy shift and what it means for the future of HND graduates in Nigeria.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria has recently implemented a policy that significantly impacts graduates holding a Higher National Diploma (HND) from polytechnics and monotechnics. This policy mandates that these graduates must present proof of completing a one-year mandatory Industrial Training (IT) before they can participate in the national service. This requirement has sparked considerable discussion and concern among HND graduates who may find themselves unable to register for the NYSC orientation camp.
The New NYSC Policy
The NYSC’s new policy stipulates that graduates from polytechnics must provide evidence of their completion of a one-year IT program prior to their registration for national service. This policy aims to ensure that students have acquired practical skills relevant to their fields of study before entering the workforce. The NYSC has stated that this measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the education system and enhancing the employability of graduates.
Key Details of the New Policy
- Mandatory IT Requirement: The NYSC now requires HND graduates to present evidence of their one-year IT completion alongside their ND and HND certificates. This change was highlighted in a statement by the NYSC coordinator in Lagos State, Yetunde Baderinwa, who noted, “It has been noticed in recent times that some graduates of polytechnics and mono-technics do not observe the mandatory one-year IT before being admitted for HND programmes. The one-year IT is a prerequisite for HND” .
- Impact on Graduates: Many HND graduates are now at risk of being disqualified from participating in the NYSC due to their inability to provide the required IT certificate. Affected graduates have expressed their anxiety, with one graduate from Kaduna State Polytechnic, Hauwa, stating, “I’m excited to start my service, but I’m worried that I might not be screened (admitted) in camp due to this new requirement. My school did not let us know that we have to provide the mandatory IT certificate, and I fear this could disqualify me” .
- Upcoming Orientation Dates: The NYSC has scheduled the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course to begin on December 8, 2024. This timeline emphasizes the urgency for HND graduates to secure their IT certificates before this date, as failure to do so will prevent them from registering for the orientation camp .
- Institutional Responsibility: The NYSC’s enforcement of this policy places the onus on educational institutions to ensure that students complete their IT before admission into HND programs. Many graduates argue that they were admitted without the IT requirement being enforced, leading to their current predicament .
Reasons for the Policy
- Ensuring Practical Experience: The NYSC emphasizes that the industrial training is not merely a formality but a vital component of the educational process for polytechnic students. Many institutions have been criticized for admitting students into HND programs without confirming their completion of the mandatory IT, which is a prerequisite for admission.
- Addressing Educational Gaps: The policy aims to rectify the trend where some students bypass the IT requirement, thereby lacking essential practical skills. This is seen as detrimental not only to the graduates themselves but also to the industries that rely on well-trained professionals.
- Standardization Across Institutions: By enforcing this requirement, the NYSC seeks to standardize the qualifications of all graduates entering the national service, ensuring that they meet a minimum level of practical training.
Implications for HND Graduates
The enforcement of this policy has led to widespread concern among HND graduates. Many are now at risk of being unable to register for the NYSC orientation camp due to the lack of IT certificates. Reports indicate that graduates without this certification are being turned away from orientation camps across the country.
Graduate Reactions
Affected graduates have expressed their frustration and confusion, particularly because many were not informed of this requirement by their institutions during their studies. Some have pleaded with the NYSC to reconsider their stance, arguing that they were admitted into HND programs without the IT certificate being a prerequisite.
Institutional Responsibility
The NYSC has clarified that it is the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure that students complete their IT before admission into HND programs. This places pressure on polytechnics and monotechnics to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the NYSC and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) regarding the admission process.
Conclusion
The NYSC’s new policy regarding the participation of HND graduates in the national service underscores the importance of practical training in the educational framework. While it aims to enhance the quality of graduates entering the workforce, it also highlights the need for better communication and adherence to educational standards by institutions. As the implementation of this policy unfolds, it will be crucial for both graduates and educational institutions to navigate the changes effectively to ensure that aspiring corps members can fulfill their national service obligations.