By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Abuja
The Federal Government has approved the mobilisation of full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking a major policy shift in Nigeria’s education sector.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the decision in Abuja, emphasizing that it addresses a long-standing issue of exclusion faced by HND graduates.
“This is a breakthrough for fairness and inclusivity in our education system,” Alausa stated.
He clarified that only graduates who completed their HND through full-time study would be eligible for NYSC, while part-time graduates remain excluded.
To facilitate the process, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to compile a list of eligible graduates, while Polytechnic Rectors must upload relevant student data onto a newly established HND admission portal.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian student gets a fair opportunity,” Alausa added, reaffirming that the policy will be strictly enforced.