JAMB Denies Responsibility For HND Graduates’ NYSC Mobilisation Issues

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that it does not handle admissions into Higher National Diploma programmes and therefore cannot be held responsible for cases where some graduates are unable to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The clarification was made by JAMB registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), headed by Comrade Eshofune Paul Oghayan.

The disclosure was contained in a bulletin issued by the Board on Monday and signed by its public communication advisor, Fabian Benjamin.

A number of HND graduates, particularly those who obtained their National Diploma through part-time or non-regular programmes before enrolling in full-time HND courses, have faced difficulties with NYSC mobilisation.

Generally, eligibility for the NYSC scheme requires that candidates complete their highest qualification through full-time study.

However, inconsistencies in admission records, such as ND qualifications obtained through part-time programmes or admissions that were not properly processed, can result in rejection from the scheme or the issuance of exemption certificates rather than full mobilisation.

These challenges have generated dissatisfaction among some polytechnic graduates, many of whom have accused JAMB of possible lapses in data handling or admission processing.

Addressing the concerns, Oloyede explained that JAMB’s statutory role is limited to organising entrance examinations and facilitating admissions into first-degree programmes, National Diploma, and Nigerian Certificate in Education programmes, noting that HND admissions fall outside the Board’s mandate.

“The Board is not responsible for admitting HND students into polytechnics and, therefore, has no data to facilitate their entry into the NYSC scheme,” he said.

He urged the students to direct their complaints to the appropriate authorities responsible for such matters.

Oloyede further explained that once students complete their ND programmes and apply for HND admission, the process becomes the responsibility of the individual institutions rather than JAMB.

He also noted that the Board manages admissions through its automated Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

According to him, CAPS enhances transparency in the admission process, restores institutional autonomy, widens opportunities for candidates, and prevents multiple admissions.

The registrar warned that any admission carried out outside the CAPS platform would be regarded as invalid.

“CAPS automates the admissions process into tertiary institutions, addresses challenges associated with the manual approach, and empowers candidates with information on available institutions and programmes,” Prof. Oloyede said.

He further alleged that some institutions circumvent the CAPS system by admitting more ND candidates than permitted by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

According to him, this practice creates inconsistencies between the number of ND graduates and those admitted into HND programmes, particularly when the HND programme is offered at a different institution.

Oloyede also criticised certain “Daily Part-Time” HND programmes, describing them as exploitative, and noted that graduates from such unconventional programmes are often rejected by the NYSC, preventing them from being mobilised.

“Some polytechnics have conducted illegal admissions, with one institution reportedly having over 42,000 irregular cases.

“If institutions follow the proper process, there would be no problem. On our part, we will continue to render quality service beneficial to all stakeholders. Let’s do things properly,” Prof. Oloyede added.