The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has directed that Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates must present evidence of completing the mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) programme after their National Diploma (ND) before they can be registered for national service.
The directive was contained in a circular dated July 15, 2026, and signed by the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Isa Walida Siddique, on behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC.
According to the scheme, the new requirement follows observations that some graduates of polytechnics and monotechnics proceeded to HND programmes without completing the compulsory one-year Industrial Training required after obtaining their National Diploma.
The NYSC said the measure is aimed at preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system and ensuring compliance with the academic requirements for HND programmes.
Under the new directive, all prospective corps members with HND qualifications will be required to present proof of completing the mandatory Industrial Training before they can be registered at NYSC orientation camps.
The scheme warned that failure to provide the required evidence could result in affected graduates being denied registration for national service.
The circular, which was addressed to Rectors and Provosts of Polytechnics and Monotechnics through their Registrars, urged institutions to immediately sensitise students on the new requirement to prevent avoidable challenges during the mobilisation process.
The NYSC also called on institutions to give the directive wide publicity to ensure prospective HND graduates are adequately informed before reporting for orientation camp.
The circular, referenced NYSC/DHQ/CM/M/347/T.74, takes immediate effect and is expected to guide the mobilisation of HND graduates for subsequent NYSC orientation exercises.