Thousands of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates from polytechnics across Nigeria are experiencing extended delays before being mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), leaving many unable to begin careers or access certain employment opportunities.
Interviews with affected graduates indicate that some have waited several months, while others say the delay has lasted years after completing their programmes. Many attribute the situation to administrative procedures within their institutions as well as limited mobilisation quotas assigned by the NYSC.
According to reports, the delay has disrupted professional plans for numerous graduates because many employers require proof of NYSC completion before offering full employment.
Some graduates previously linked the issue to admission documentation handled through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). However, the board clarified that it is not responsible for admissions into HND programmes, directing attention to institutional clearance processes and the NYSC mobilisation framework.
Several graduates described the situation as frustrating and financially difficult. One graduate from Kaduna State Polytechnic said he completed his studies two years ago but has not yet been mobilised despite submitting the required documents multiple times. He explained that repeated requests for document resubmission have prolonged the process.
Another graduate of the institution said the delay had caused emotional strain and prevented some individuals from taking up job opportunities that require an NYSC certificate.
Some students also expressed concern that the delay creates disparities among peers, as those who graduated later from other institutions may complete their national service earlier.
A staff member of Kaduna State Polytechnic, speaking anonymously, said mobilisation delays are partly due to the limited number of NYSC slots allocated to institutions each year. According to the official, polytechnics with large student populations cannot mobilise all eligible graduates simultaneously.
Public commentary has also highlighted the issue. A Kaduna-based broadcaster recently criticised the delays in an online video, noting that some graduates from the institution have reportedly waited several years for mobilisation.
Similar experiences were reported by graduates from other polytechnics. A graduate from Kwara State Polytechnic said she completed her HND programme in July of the previous year but had not yet been mobilised, adding that earlier graduating classes also waited close to a year before deployment.
At The Polytechnic, Ibadan, some graduates say they have been waiting several months for mobilisation. One graduate explained that the delay prevents many from applying for jobs, while others are still awaiting the release of academic results needed to complete NYSC registration.
Former student leaders have also raised concerns about the issue, suggesting that both institutional requirements and the NYSC mobilisation system may contribute to the backlog affecting polytechnic graduates.
