HND graduates with part-time National Diploma (ND) backgrounds staged a protest on Monday at the Lagos NYSC secretariat, opposing a proposed policy that would bar them from participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Say No to Discrimination in NYSC” and “Equal Rights for All,” demanding an immediate reversal of the policy as Batch C Stream II registration commenced.
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Majaro Temitope, an HND graduate from Yaba College of Technology, described the policy as discriminatory, arguing that it unfairly penalises those who transitioned from part-time ND programmes to full-time HND studies.
“Many of us struggled through our ND on part-time, only to face exclusion now. We hope our peaceful protest sparks a dialogue,” Temitope said, urging the NYSC Director-General and the Minister of Education to intervene.
The protesters also revealed they had written to relevant authorities, including the NYSC and JAMB, but had yet to receive a response.
Adebola Osunfunrewa, from the Education Rights Campaign, criticised the proposed exclusion, calling it a setback for Nigeria’s education system.
“How can over 3,000 graduates eager to serve be denied in a country facing teacher shortages?” he queried.
In response, Lagos NYSC Coordinator Christiana Salwang, represented by Assistant Director Ehimuenma Itohan, assured the protesters that their concerns had been communicated to the NYSC Director-General.
“The director general is reviewing the matter and is committed to addressing your grievances within policy guidelines,” Itohan stated, urging the protesters to remain calm.
The outcome of the discussions remains pending as the mobilisation process continues.
