The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified its position on HND admissions and NYSC mobilisation. The board stated it does not handle Higher National Diploma admissions in Nigeria. Therefore, it cannot process mobilisation data for the National Youth Service Corps scheme. Registrar Is-haq Oloyede explained this during a meeting with polytechnic students’ representatives.
The delegation came from the National Association of Polytechnic Students leadership. Comrade Eshofune Paul Oghayan led the student representatives at the meeting. The clarification followed growing complaints from affected Higher National Diploma graduates. Many graduates struggle to secure mobilisation for the national service programme.
This challenge often affects those with part-time National Diploma backgrounds. Some completed part-time ND programmes before pursuing full-time HND studies. Consequently, the NYSC system sometimes rejects their mobilisation applications. Generally, NYSC eligibility requires full-time academic study at the highest qualification level.
However, irregular admission records sometimes complicate graduate verification processes. For example, institutions sometimes classify ND programmes as part-time or irregular admissions. These inconsistencies often lead to rejection or exemption certificate issuance. Meanwhile, Prof. Oloyede stressed that JAMB manages admissions only for ND and degree programmes.
He explained that institutions independently process HND admissions. Therefore, institutions hold responsibility for accurate admission records and graduate documentation. Additionally, JAMB conducts admissions through the Central Admissions Processing System. CAPS improves transparency, efficiency, and fairness in Nigerian tertiary institution admissions.
It also prevents multiple admissions and promotes institutional accountability. However, some institutions reportedly bypass CAPS admission procedures. Such practices create discrepancies between ND and HND admission records. Therefore, Oloyede urged institutions to follow approved admission guidelines. Proper compliance, he concluded, will reduce mobilisation challenges for graduates.
