By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has introduced a new registration requirement for Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates, making it compulsory for them to present evidence of completing the mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) before they can be registered at orientation camps.
The directive was issued in a circular signed by the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Isa Walida Siddique, on behalf of the NYSC Director-General. According to the scheme, the decision follows reports that some graduates of polytechnics and monotechnics advanced to HND programmes without first completing the compulsory one-year Industrial Training required after obtaining their National Diploma (ND).
The NYSC stated that the measure is intended to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system and ensure that all HND graduates have fulfilled the academic and professional requirements expected before participating in the national service programme.
Under the new guideline, any HND graduate who fails to provide proof of completing the one-year Industrial Training will not be registered at the NYSC orientation camp.
The circular further directed rectors and provosts of polytechnics and monotechnics, through their registrars, to immediately inform students about the new requirement to avoid situations where prospective corps members are denied registration during mobilisation.
The NYSC stressed that institutions should give the directive wide publicity so that eligible graduates are fully aware of the documentation they must present before reporting for national service.
The circular, dated July 15, 2026, with reference number NYSC/DHQ/CM/M/347/T.74, officially communicated the policy and urged all affected institutions to ensure compliance before the next mobilisation exercise.
