A wave of protest has erupted among Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in Nigeria following the announcement of plans to exclude them from participating in the upcoming National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. As the mobilization process for 2025 begins, the proposed exclusion has sparked heated debates and widespread opposition, with many graduates voicing their dissatisfaction with the decision.
The NYSC, a mandatory one-year program for Nigerian graduates, serves as a rite of passage for young Nigerians, offering an opportunity to serve their country, gain work experience, and contribute to national development. However, the new proposal, which excludes HND graduates from the scheme, has raised concerns about fairness and the treatment of these graduates compared to their university counterparts.
In cities across Nigeria, HND graduates have taken to social media and the streets to express their frustration with the policy. Many have argued that they should not be discriminated against simply because of the type of degree they hold. These graduates, who have completed their studies at polytechnics, feel that the decision undermines the value of their education and excludes them from an essential national program that provides career opportunities, networking, and civic engagement.
The protesters, comprising young graduates and student associations, are calling on the government to reconsider the exclusion and include all eligible Nigerian graduates in the NYSC mobilization process. They argue that the decision is unfair, as both university and polytechnic graduates undergo similar academic rigor and contribute equally to national development.
The government, however, has yet to provide an official statement clarifying the rationale behind the exclusion. Many of the protestors speculate that the move may be part of an effort to streamline the NYSC process or address concerns over the growing number of graduates participating in the program.
The ongoing protests have sparked a wider conversation about the education system in Nigeria and the disparity between university and polytechnic graduates. As HND graduates continue to voice their discontent, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to their concerns or uphold the proposed exclusion.
With mobilization for the 2025 NYSC already in full swing, the controversy surrounding the exclusion of HND graduates has added an unexpected twist to the process, leaving many young Nigerians uncertain about their future participation in the national service.
