JAMB Clarifies its Role in HND Graduates’ NYSC Mobilisation

JAMB Urges Polytechnic Students to Address NYSC Mobilization Issues with Relevant Authorities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has provided clarity on JAMB’s role in HND graduates’ NYSC mobilisation, stating that it is not responsible for the admission or mobilisation of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). According to JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, polytechnics manage HND admissions, not JAMB, and as such, issues regarding NYSC mobilisation should be directed to the relevant authorities.

This clarification comes in response to allegations made by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), which mistakenly attributed the non-mobilisation of some HND graduates to JAMB. Professor Oloyede explained that JAMB’s role in HND graduates’ NYSC mobilisation is nonexistent, as the Board’s responsibilities are confined to conducting entrance exams for National Diploma (ND) programs and other educational qualifications such as the National Certificate in Education (NCE).

Emphasising the importance of addressing the issue correctly, Professor Oloyede advised NAPS not to channel their frustrations towards JAMB, which has no involvement in HND admission or NYSC mobilisation processes. He stressed that it is vital to first identify the real cause of any problem before seeking a solution.

“Don’t direct your grievances to the wrong entity. JAMB’s role in HND graduates’ NYSC mobilisation does not exist, and this is an issue that should be tackled with the right institution,” he noted. He further clarified that polytechnics handle all HND admissions independently and are solely responsible for any mobilization-related complications.

Professor Oloyede also raised concerns regarding the growing number of part-time programmes in polytechnics, some of which he claims exist purely to exploit students. He pointed out that over-enrollment in some polytechnic programs, exceeding the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) guidelines, has resulted in complications during NYSC mobilisation. This trend, he explained, could be contributing to the confusion surrounding JAMB’s role in HND graduates’ NYSC mobilisation.

In light of these issues, Professor Oloyede urged NAPS to carefully investigate the actual causes of mobilisation delays and work collaboratively with the appropriate bodies to resolve them. He also addressed reports of extortion involving JAMB officials in the South-South region. Following an anonymous petition, an investigation team was dispatched, and Professor Oloyede encouraged students to provide evidence if they have experienced similar extortion, promising that offenders would face consequences.

To improve transparency and reduce unnecessary physical interactions, JAMB is also working on transitioning more of its services online, with recorded interactions for monitoring purposes. This step is expected to further ensure the integrity of its processes and mitigate any misunderstandings regarding JAMB’s role in HND graduates’ NYSC mobilisation.

The leadership of NAPS, represented by National President Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi and Senate President Adeniki Temitope, expressed satisfaction with Professor Oloyede’s clarification and pledged to engage the relevant authorities in resolving the mobilisation challenges affecting HND holders.