The Registrar of Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has clarified that the agency is not responsible for the non‑mobilization of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Oloyede stressed that JAMB’s mandate is limited to conducting entrance examinations and admissions into tertiary institutions, not determining eligibility for national service. He explained that issues surrounding NYSC mobilisation fall under the jurisdiction of the corps and other relevant authorities, not JAMB.
The clarification comes amid growing frustration among HND graduates who have been excluded from NYSC programmes. Many had blamed JAMB for the setback, but Oloyede insisted that the agency has no role in the process.
Education analysts say the controversy highlights broader concerns about Nigeria’s higher education system, particularly the long‑standing divide between university and polytechnic graduates. Critics argue that the exclusion of HND holders from NYSC undermines efforts to promote equality across tertiary institutions.
Oloyede urged stakeholders to direct their grievances to the appropriate agencies, noting that JAMB remains committed to its core responsibility of ensuring transparent admissions. He added that misinformation about the board’s role only distracts from the real issues facing graduates.
The debate over HND graduates and NYSC participation continues to spark national discussion, with calls for reforms to address systemic disparities and ensure fair treatment of all graduates.
