NYSC

Author: Gist Correspondent

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has directed that Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates must present evidence of completing the mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) programme before they can be registered for national service at orientation camps.

The directive, contained in a circular signed by the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Isa Walida Siddique, on behalf of the NYSC Director-General, followed concerns that some polytechnic and monotechnic graduates proceeded to HND programmes without first completing the compulsory Industrial Training after obtaining their National Diploma (ND).

According to the scheme, the new measure is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria\'s educational system and ensuring compliance with academic requirements for HND programmes.

The NYSC stated that all prospective corps members with HND qualifications would now be required to provide documentary evidence of the one-year Industrial Training during registration at orientation camps.

It warned that any HND graduate who fails to present proof of completing the mandatory Industrial Training would not be registered for the national service programme.

The circular, addressed to Rectors and Provosts of Polytechnics and Monotechnics through their Registrars, directed institutions to immediately sensitise students on the new requirement to prevent avoidable challenges during mobilisation.

The scheme urged school authorities to give the directive wide publicity so that prospective HND graduates are adequately informed before reporting for national service.

The circular, dated July 15, 2026, with reference number NYSC/DHQ/CM/M/347/T.74, takes immediate effect and is expected to guide the mobilisation of affected prospective corps members.