NYSC Mobilisation: JAMB Urges HND Graduates to Direct Grievances to Appropriate Authorities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) to channel their grievances regarding the non-mobilisation of some Higher National Diploma (HND) students for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to the relevant authorities.

During a meeting with NAPS leaders at JAMB’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on Friday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that the Board is not responsible for HND admissions and, consequently, has no role in the NYSC mobilisation process for HND graduates.

Prof. Oloyede expressed surprise that JAMB was being targeted by the association on this issue, describing the action as a misunderstanding of the Board’s mandate. “You are addressing the wrong body. The first step in resolving an issue is to understand its root cause so you don’t apply a wrong solution,” he stated.

He further explained that JAMB’s responsibilities are limited to conducting examinations for admissions into universities, National Diploma (ND), and Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes, excluding HND programmes. “We handle ND admissions, but HND admissions are managed by the individual institutions themselves,” he added.

Oloyede also addressed concerns over part-time polytechnic programmes, clarifying that his criticisms were specifically aimed at “Daily Part-Time” schemes which exploit students. He noted that some institutions accept students beyond the capacity approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), leading to issues in their academic programmes.

“NBTE may approve 100 students for full-time ND admission, but some institutions will enrol another 1,000 students in the same class under the guise of part-time programmes,” Oloyede revealed.

He also highlighted a recurring challenge faced by students where their ND and HND qualifications are from different institutions, complicating the mobilisation process. He urged NAPS to investigate the issue thoroughly to find lasting solutions. “Go and study the problem in detail, and you will discover the solution,” he advised.

In response to allegations of extortion by JAMB officials in the South-South zone, Oloyede disclosed that the Board had received an anonymous petition and had sent a team to investigate. He called on students with evidence of extortion, particularly concerning “regularisation” fees, to come forward, assuring them that any staff found guilty would face the full weight of the law. “While 99% of JAMB staff are honest, any bad eggs will be identified and dealt with appropriately,” he affirmed.

Oloyede also mentioned that the Board is considering limiting physical interactions with candidates, especially minors, to reduce the risk of exploitation and extortion. He said future engagements would focus on online interactions, with calls recorded for monitoring purposes.

The NAPS leadership, represented by National President Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi and Senate President Adeniki Temitope, expressed satisfaction with Oloyede’s explanations and committed to engaging the relevant authorities to resolve the NYSC mobilisation issue.