By Olayinka Iroye
Recent developments have brought to light a troubling issue facing many Higher National Diploma (HND) full-time graduates from Polytechnics across Nigeria. These graduates, who initially pursued National Diploma (ND) programme on a part-time basis, have found themselves unjustly classified under the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) as part-time students. This classification, signified by the ‘P’ at the end of their registration numbers, has led to their exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization, forcing them to accept an* *Exemption Certificate instead of participating in the mandatory national service.
This decision is not only unfair on the affected Graduates but also sad, given the broader implications it has for the future of these young graduates and society at large. Many of these affected graduates are under 20 years old, brimming with energy, potential, and the desire to contribute to the nation. Denying them the right to participate in the NYSC scheme at such a crucial stage of their lives is a disservice, one that could lead to long-term consequences for them and the nation.
At a time like this, when youth restlessness is on the daily increse, and with many young people falling prey to criminal activities such as internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo), kidnapping cultism and other social vices, it is imperative that we should provide constructive outlets for their energy and talents, which the NYSC scheme, with its focus on national integration, skill development, and community service, has long been a vital tool in channeling the energies of young Nigerians into positive and productive activities. By withholding this opportunity from these graduates, we risk pushing them further into the arms of idleness, and as the saying goes, “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
There is also the general perception of education among the youth. With some already disillusioned, believing that education is a scam and are only pursuing it to fulfill societal expectations, the NYSC exclusion will further adds another layer of disillusionment and frustrations. When young people see their peers being denied what they perceive as a rightful opportunity due to bureaucratic errors or misclassifications, it only serves to reinforce their negative perceptions of the education system and the value of hard work.
In the light of these concerns, I strongly wish to appeal to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Youth and all relevant agencies involved and responsible for the mobilisation process inclusive of NYSC and JAMB, to urgently review and resolve this issue. The affected graduates should be reclassified appropriately and mobilized for the next Batch ‘C’ Stream ‘II’ of the NYSC scheme. This is not just a matter of fairness; it is a necessary step to prevent the potential social and economic fallout that could arise from the further stayed at home, and continued exclusion of these young Nigerians from the NYSC scheme.
It is crucial to mention here that measures should be put in place by Government to ensure that such an issue does not reoccur in the future. The NYSC scheme is a laudable initiative that has, for decades, contributed to national unity and the personal development of countless young Nigerians. It should not be weaponized or undermined by any individual, body corporate, or agency—whether governmental or non-governmental. Instead, the focus should be on strengthening and improving the scheme to ensure it continues to fulfill its mandate of fostering national unity and development.
I pray the government will act swiftly with the urgency it demands to correct this injustice and prevent the disillusionment and potential restlessness of a significant portion of our youth. The future of Nigeria depends on how we nurture and support our young people today. Let us not fail them.
May the course of education not fail in Nigeria.
