Hello, welcome to Savina Academy. In today’s article we would be giving answers to this question: “Do polytechnic students go for NYSC?”
There have been many misconceptions online between university and polytechnic graduates about whether graduates from polytechnics in Nigeria are actually eligible for the NYSC Mobilisation.
In today’s article we will be clearing the air with clear-cut answers that have been well researched.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a compulsory one-year program established for Nigerian graduates, designed to promote national unity, integration, and cultural diversity.
The programme was introduced in 1973 by the Nigerian government under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
It is specifically intended for graduates from recognised or approved tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as well as Nigerians who graduated from accredited institutions abroad provided they meet all the necessary eligibility requirements.
Over the years, many people have believed that only university graduates are eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
However, this is a misconception. Graduates from recognised tertiary institutions, including polytechnics, are also eligible—provided they meet the required conditions.
Below are the official NYSC requirements for mobilisation:
NYSC Requirements
To be eligible for the NYSC programme, you must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen (by birth or naturalisation).
- Be below 30 years of age at the time of graduation.
- Have graduated from a recognised tertiary institution, either in Nigeria or abroad.
- Hold a valid academic qualification.
Note: NYSC does not accept diploma certificates (such as OND or NCE) for mobilization.
Do Polytechnic Students Go for NYSC?
Yes, polytechnic graduates in Nigeria are eligible for the NYSC but only for those graduating with HND, not ND.
Difference Between ND and HND
ND (National Diploma): This is typically a 2-year programme completed after secondary school in a polytechnic. It is not enough on its own to qualify a student for NYSC.
HND (Higher National Diploma): This is an additional 2-year programme that comes after ND, usually after a 1-year Industrial Training (IT).
HND is the minimum requirement for NYSC among polytechnic graduates.
So, only students who complete their ND + IT + HND are eligible to go for NYSC.
NYSC Requirements for HND Holders
To be mobilised for NYSC as an HND graduate, you must:
- Complete your HND programme from an accredited polytechnic.
- Be not older than 30 years at the time of graduation (if you’re over 30, you’ll get an exemption certificate).
- Possess a valid JAMB registration number (or complete JAMB regularisation if needed).
- Have your academic records (ND & HND results, transcripts, statement of result)
- Provide a school mobilisation letter when required.
Common Challenges Faced by Polytechnic Graduates
While polytechnic graduates, especially HND holders, are eligible for NYSC, many face challenges during the mobilisation and registration process. Below are some of the most common issues they encounter:
- JAMB Regularisation Issues
Many polytechnic students, especially those who gained admission through direct entry or without JAMB, often discover during NYSC registration that their details are not on the JAMB database.
This requires them to go through JAMB regularisation, which can take weeks or months, delaying students for mobilisation.
- Delayed Mobilisation by Schools
Some polytechnics are slow in uploading or submitting graduates’ data to NYSC. As a result, students who are ready to serve might miss a batch and have to wait several months for the next mobilisation.
- Misconceptions About NYSC Eligibility
Many people still wrongly believe that polytechnic graduates can’t go for NYSC, especially those with ND. This leads to confusion, discouragement, and poor planning.
- Document Verification Problems
Some HND graduates face issues during clearance due to:
- Name mismatches between their ND and HND certificates
- Missing or incorrect date of birth on WAEC/NECO certificates
- Incomplete or inconsistent academic transcripts
5. Age Limitation
NYSC has a strict age limit of 30 years. If a student delays between ND and HND or spends too much time due to academic or financial issues, they might exceed the age limit and become ineligible for NYSC, receiving an exemption certificate instead.
- Bias in the Job Market
Even after completing NYSC, some employers still show preference for university graduates over HND holders.
While this isn’t an NYSC-specific issue, it’s a challenge that affects the motivation of many polytechnic students to proceed for NYSC.
FAQs
Do ND Graduates Go for NYSC?
No, ND graduates are not eligible for NYSC. Completing only a national diploma does not make you eligible for the one-year National Youth Service programme.
Can I go for NYSC with a pass in HND?
Yes, you can go for NYSC with a pass in HND, as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements. NYSC does not reject mobilisation based on the class of diploma (pass, lower credit, or upper credit).
What matters most is:
- That you completed your HND programme
- Your school includes your name in the NYSC Senate list.
- You’re not above the 30-year age limit.
So even with a pass, as long as you’re officially graduated and mobilised, you can serve.
Can part-time HND graduates go for NYSC?
Generally, part-time HND graduates are not eligible for NYSC.
However, as of 2025, the federal government approved NYSC mobilisation for some categories of students who started with part-time ND but completed full-time HND.
Do polytechnic graduates receive the same NYSC allowance as university graduates?
Yes. NYSC pays all corps members the same monthly allowance, regardless of whether they have a BSc, B.A., or HND.
Do HND and university graduates get treated equally during NYSC?
Yes. Once mobilised, HND holders are treated the same as university graduates in terms of posting, allowances, uniforms, and camp activities.