On August 30, 2024, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) announced a significant policy change that impacts graduates from polytechnics and monotechnics in Nigeria. As per the new directive, holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) who do not possess proof of completing the mandatory 12-month industrial training (IT) will not be registered for participation in the NYSC orientation camp. This move aims to enhance the quality of graduates entering the workforce and ensure they have the necessary practical experience.
The announcement was articulated by Mrs. Caroline Lembu, the acting Director of Press and Public Relations at NYSC. she clarified that the certificate of industrial training is now a prerequisite for polytechnic graduates wishing to engage in the national service program. This policy reflects a broader initiative to ensure that graduates not only meet academic standards but also acquire essential hands-on experience relevant to their fields of study.
The NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, further elaborated on this requirement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on August 3, 2024. She emphasized that all prospective corps members must complete their industrial training before being eligible to register for the NYSC. This directive is set to take effect from the upcoming orientation camp, as the NYSC aims to streamline the registration process and uphold the integrity of the service
The implementation of this policy has already begun, with NYSC officials across various states confirming its enforcement. For instance, in Osun State, the NYSC Public Relations Officer, Funmi Okundaye, stated that applicants lacking the necessary IT letters are being sent home to retrieve them before they can complete their registration. Similarly, in Niger State, NYSC spokesman Sam Oga confirmed the strict adherence to the new rule, indicating that HND candidates will not gain entry without proof of their industrial training.
In Kano State, an NYSC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that this directive originates from the NYSC headquarters in Abuja. The emphasis on compliance underscores the organization’s commitment to enforcing this policy nationwide.
The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr. Shammah Kpanja, has publicly endorsed the NYSC’s decision. He explained that industrial attachment is a vital component of the educational framework for polytechnic students, serving as an essential stepping stone to obtaining an HND. Kpanja highlighted that the one-year industrial attachment is not merely a formality but a critical opportunity for students to gain practical skills that will enhance their employability.
He noted that some students have previously circumvented this requirement, claiming to have completed their industrial training while staying at home. Such practices undermine the educational system and deprive students of the invaluable experience that comes from real-world application of their studies. Kpanja reinforced that the inclusion of this IT requirement is crucial for preparing graduates for the demands of the labor market.
The NYSC’s new policy requiring polytechnic graduates to present proof of their industrial training before participating in the national service marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s approach to youth service and education. By enforcing this requirement, the NYSC aims to ensure that graduates are not only academically qualified but also equipped with practical skills that can significantly benefit their future careers.
As this policy takes effect, it is essential for prospective corps members to be aware of these requirements and prepare accordingly. The emphasis on industrial training reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of education and the readiness of graduates to meet the challenges of the modern workforce. This initiative, while presenting some challenges for students, ultimately seeks to elevate the standards of education and service in Nigeria.
