HND Graduates Decry NYSC Exclusion Over Part-Time National Diploma History

Thousands of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates are in a state of high-level protest following their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization.

Despite completing their HND programs on a full-time basis, these graduates are being denied the opportunity to serve because their foundational National Diploma (ND) was obtained through part-time or evening studies. 

The growing controversy has left many young professionals, such as Microbiology graduate Kausarat Abidemi, stuck in career limbo, unable to secure employment or advance in their fields without the mandatory discharge certificate. 

The Ministry of Education has directed the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to expedite the collation of data for eligible full-time HND graduates to resolve these documentation hurdles. However, the NYSC continues to maintain that its system is strictly based on full-time status for the entire duration of a student's higher education. 

For now, the affected graduates remain vocal, insisting they will not stay silent until their right to serve their country is restored. "We are full-time HND graduates," the protesters stated. "We deserve to serve".