The National Board for Technical Education has blamed some polytechnics and other tertiary institutions for the delay in the mobilisation of their graduates for the National Youth Service Corps.
Many graduates of Higher National Diploma programmes across the country have reportedly been unable to participate in the national service scheme months—and in some cases years—after completing their studies.
Some affected graduates had earlier attributed the delay to administrative challenges within their institutions and the limited mobilisation quota available under the scheme.
However, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Idris Bugaje, said the delays are mostly caused by institutions failing to follow the required academic procedures and properly document students’ records.
Speaking through the NBTE NYSC Desk Officer, Dauda Baba‑Halal, Bugaje explained that one of the major issues involves the violation of the mandatory one-year Industrial Training required for National Diploma holders before progressing to the HND programme.
“There is a long-standing policy that requires ND graduates to undergo one year of Industrial Training before proceeding to HND,” Bugaje said.
“Unfortunately, some institutions ignore this requirement and admit students directly into HND immediately after completing their ND.”
According to him, such actions often create verification problems and affect the eligibility of graduates for NYSC mobilisation.
“If a student proceeds to HND without completing the mandatory Industrial Training, the NYSC will not mobilise that student because the academic progression is incomplete,” he added.
Bugaje noted that the board had strengthened its verification process through the HND Admission Portal to ensure institutions comply with the proper academic sequence.
He explained that NBTE serves as the regulatory body responsible for coordinating and monitoring technical and vocational education in polytechnics and related institutions across Nigeria.
The NBTE boss said the board also accredits and approves National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes offered by polytechnics.
“Only graduates from programmes accredited by the NBTE are eligible for consideration for mobilisation into the NYSC scheme,” he said.
Bugaje further explained that the HND Admission Portal was created as a national database for students admitted into HND programmes.
He said institutions are required to upload their students’ records on the portal to enable the board verify their academic history and confirm that the proper admission procedures were followed.
He also clarified that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is responsible only for admissions into National Diploma programmes and does not handle NYSC mobilisation.
Bugaje advised institutions experiencing mobilisation challenges to formally report such issues to either the NBTE or NYSC for clarification and resolution.
