Polytechnic graduates across the country have protested their alleged exclusion from the NYSC batch C registration. Graduates from various polytechnics across Nigeria staged protests on Monday, January 6, 2025, against a proposed policy by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) that would exclude them from the mandatory national service scheme.
The affected individuals are Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates who completed their National Diploma (ND) programs on a part-time basis but pursued full-time studies for their HND qualifications.
Protests Across Nigeria
In Lagos, protesters gathered at the NYSC secretariat, carrying placards with messages such as “Say No To Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All.” They argued that the proposed policy would unfairly prevent them from participating in the NYSC scheme, a requirement for many job opportunities in Nigeria.
Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate from Yaba College of Technology, expressed the group’s frustration, pointing out the challenges they faced during their part-time ND studies. He highlighted that many students balanced work and academics during the ND programme and now feel unjustly penalised. Temitope stated, “We just pray and hope that our peaceful protest will not escalate because we asked some of our colleagues to stay back while we engage in dialogue.”
The protesters noted that they had previously contacted the NYSC Director-General and the Ministry of Education but had not received a response. They are demanding an immediate policy review to ensure that all qualified HND graduates, regardless of their ND study mode, can participate in national service.
Adebola Osunfunrewa from the Education Rights Campaign supported the protesters, describing the proposed exclusion as a setback for Nigeria’s education system. He questioned the decision to deny willing graduates the opportunity to serve, particularly in a country facing shortages in key professional sectors. Osunfunrewa remarked, “This is yet another sign that Nigeria’s education system is in decline. How can you have over 3,000 students pleading to serve their country, especially when we face a shortage of teachers?”
NYSC Response
Responding to the protest, Lagos NYSC Coordinator Christiana Salwang, represented by Assistant Director Ehimuenma Itohan, addressed the crowd. She assured them that their concerns had been relayed to the NYSC Director-General and that the issue was under review. Salwang urged the protesters to remain calm while awaiting a resolution, stating, “The matter is being looked into. Please remain patient while we await further directives.”
The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, aims to foster national unity and integration by deploying graduates to various parts of the country for one year of service. Eligibility requirements have evolved over the years, and the current protests highlight the complexities of balancing policy with the diverse educational pathways taken by Nigerian students.
As registration for the second stream of Batch C mobilisation began on January 6, 2025, the affected graduates hope that the NYSC and Ministry of Education will resolve the matter swiftly to ensure inclusivity and prevent further disruptions in the national service programme.
